Influenza activity is still elevated in Iowa but for most indicators it is down from previous weeks, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

This flu season there have been 185 influenza related deaths in the state. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher still reminds people to think of the three C’s – clean your hands often, cover your coughs or sneezes, and contain it by staying home when you’re ill. During the most recent reporting week there were 73 influenza-related hospitalizations, down from 135 the week before. Also, the number of schools with 10% or greater absence due to illness dropped from 24 to nine, none of which were in southeast Iowa.