Iowa’s influenza activity remains low at this time with 0.12 percent of outpatient visits due to influenza-like illness. There were four flu-related hospitalizations across the state. In southeast Iowa, 16.7 percent of rapid antigen RSV tests were positive while the average across the state was 23.3 percent. Rapid antigen influenza tests in southeast Iowa came back at 2.7 percent positive, above the state’s 2.0 percent positive rate. Each week the State Hygienic Laboratory runs a survey program where the number of influenza and respiratory virus rapid tests performed and the number of positive tests are reported.

Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health reminds people to keep the three C’s in mind – cover your coughs and sneezes, clean hands frequently and contain germs by staying home when ill.