So far this season, Wyoming hasn’t seen a lot of flu activity, which is typical for the state. Going into January is when the illness starts showing up — and local healthcare providers are urging people to get their flu shot.

“We usually don’t peak until January or February, and last year it was around April,” said Michelle Hoyt, infection prevention nurse with Powell Valley Healthcare.

The 2018-2019 flu season saw the highest number of reported cases in the state on record. It’s hard to say how this year will turn out. So far, county healthcare providers are reporting sporadic or local flu cases, which means there isn’t a regional spread of the illness.

Hoyt said it’s a good time, if you haven’t already, to get a flu shot. She said patients have been requesting them a lot this year.

“It’s been a banner year for giving flu shots,” Hoyt said.

She said people shouldn’t just get flu shots to avoid getting sick. Even if you’re not among the vulnerable populations, you want to avoid giving it to someone who is. For the very young and elderly, the flu can be fatal.

Some people have exaggerated fears of vaccinations, believing them to be unsafe.

Bill Crampton, nursing manager for Park County Public Health, explains simply that he wouldn’t recommend people get a shot that would harm them.

Hoyt said the medical research on vaccines is overwhelmingly in support of their safety. She urges people who have concerns to make sure the source of their information, especially if they’re looking online, is reputable. Many websites make completely inaccurate and unscientific claims about vaccines.

Hoyt said she encounters patients who are adamant that vaccines will harm them, and she doesn’t try to force them to change their mind.

“If you’re one of those people who believe in conspiracies, there’s no amount of education I can give you that’s going to change your mind,” she said.

For those people who just won’t get a flu shot, Hoyt encourages them to engage in safe practices that will help prevent them from getting the flu and spreading it to others.

This includes washing their hands regularly, keeping their hands away from their nose and mouth and staying home from work if they do experience flu-like symptoms.

Crampton said that it’s not too late to get a flu shot, and he’s given them as late as April some years. However, they are running out of the vaccine at Park County Public Health, where they’re $20 for people 6 months to 18 years and $25 for anyone over 18.