Influenza is now widespread in Iowa and it has been confirmed in Washington County. Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health says, they received the local confirmation last week. She says there is still time to get a flu shot and there are doses left. Fisher reminds people to stay home when ill to prevent the spread of viruses and practice good hand hygiene.

So far this flu season in Iowa there have been seven influenza-associated mortality cases. Also, one school in Johnson County reported 10% or greater absenteeism in the last reporting week due to illness.