Influenza activity is continuing to increase in Iowa according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

In this reporting week, the State Hygienic Laboratory confirmed 25 influenza A(H3) cases and 10 influenza B (Yamagata lineage). There were also 21 influenza-related hospitalizations.

Washington County Public Health nurse Lynn Fisher reminds people they can prevent the spread of illness by covering your cough, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when you’re sick to prevent the spread of illness.

It takes approximately two weeks for the flu vaccine to build up in your system for full protection and it is still available. So far this flu season, Iowa has had one influenza-associated death.