Flu activity is continuing to grow across Iowa and is now considered regional. According to the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network’s most recent weekly report, activity has increased from local to regional with three strains of flu circulating, including H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B. Influenza-associated hospitalizations from sentinel hospitals were reported at 39 patients.
Also, according to the report from Iowa Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control stated about half of the A (or H3N2) strains tested so far this year have “drifted” and vaccine efficacy for these strains is unknown, however no results are available yet to determine if the drifted strain is in Iowa. It is still recommended to get an annual flu vaccine.