The Iowa Department of Public Health has already identified four cases of influenza this fall.

Washington County Public Health nurse Lynn Fisher says now is the time to get your annual vaccine, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to build up full protection in your system. The vaccine is recommended for anyone over the age of six months. Influenza is a respiratory illness and symptoms include a high fever for a couple of days, runny nose, body aches, and extreme fatigue; Fisher says it can come on suddenly and the typical course is five to six days. Complications that can come from influenza includes pneumonia.

She adds there are additional ways people can prevent contracting illnesses, like covering your cough, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when you’re sick to prevent the spread of illness.