Influenza activity in Iowa remains low and sporadic, and it is still recommended to get a flu vaccine. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher says flu activity usually peaks in February. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to build up in your body after receiving it. Fisher explains that getting a vaccine also helps those around you, especially those too young to get their own vaccine or those who may be immunocompromised, like those going through chemotherapy, “Protecting the people around you and your family will help cocoon the family member, the youngest family member that isn’t old enough to get a vaccine yet.”

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, there were five influenza-related hospitalizations in the state last week. Non-influenza respiratory illnesses detected in the last week include 144 cases of rhinovirus/enterovirus, 46 RSV and 39 coronavirus. Fisher reminds people to think of the three C’s to avoid spreading illness this winter: Cover coughs, Clean hands frequently, and Contain viruses by staying home when you’re ill.