There have been five influenza-associated deaths in Iowa so far this flu season. According to the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network, there have been 130 hospitalizations since October 2nd, 43 of those were last week, according to sentinel hospitals. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness, but it can cause mild side effects that only last one to two days. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over six months of age. Influenza is contagious and it affects the lungs, which can lead to serious illnesses like pneumonia.