Iowa’s flu activity is considered minimal at this time with the geographic spread being local. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, influenza activity in the state is slowly increasing. In the most recent activity report, three schools reported 10 percent or greater absenteeism due to illness with at least one having flu-like symptoms. Also, seven influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported across Iowa. Also, 42 cases of rhinovirus/enterovirus were reported to IDPH.

Annual flu vaccines are recommended and according to the Iowa Immunization Registry Information System, fewer people received the vaccines in October and November of this year than they did last season.