Influenza activity continues to decrease in Iowa.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the geographic spread is now regional. There have been 235 influenza-associated deaths in the state since October. While flu activity is falling, there were still 86 influenza-associated hospitalizations last week in Iowa. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher reminds people they can prevent the spread of illness by cleaning hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and containing illness by staying home when you’re sick. There were five schools, including one in Henry County, that reported 10% or greater absence due to illness in the last reporting week, which may have been underestimated due to many schools being closed for spring break.