Influenza is in Washington County. Influenza activity in Iowa is widespread and moderate at this time. According to the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network, last week 26 schools in the state reported 10% or great absence due to illness, including three in Jefferson County, one in Henry County and one in Louisa County.

Danielle Pettit-Majewski, administrator of Washington County Public Health says there are ways to prevent getting ill. She says to remember the three Cs: cover your cough with your elbow, contain illness by staying home from school or work when you’re sick, and clean your hands often with hot, soapy water.

Across the state there were 93 influenza-related hospitalizations last week and since October there have been 28 influenza-related deaths.