Prevent the spread of illness during the holidays. That is the message from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Influenza activity remains low in Iowa and IDPH recommends getting an annual flu vaccine to prevent contracting the illness. Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health advises to keep illness at bay this winter by frequently washing hands, getting plenty of rest and avoiding people you know who are ill. She also reminds people to stay home when they are sick. So far this year there have been three confirmed influenza-associated deaths in Iowa.