Influenza is widespread in Iowa. According to the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network, five percent of rapid tests are positive for the virus across the state. So far this season, there have been six influenza-associated deaths in Iowa.

Lynn Fisher, nurse with Washington County Public Health, reminds people to wash their hands, especially before cooking meals and after being in public places. She adds there is some evidence that having six to eight hours of rest does help your immune system. So far this flu season, approximately a quarter of a million doses of the seasonal flu vaccine have been administered and reported to the surveillance network. The flu vaccine is still available and is recommended.

Washington County has yet to have it’s first confirmed case of the season.