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Influenza is now widespread in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, while influenza’s geographic spread is now widespread the activity decreased slightly in the last week. The State Hygienic Laboratory confirmed 21 influenza A (H1N1) cases and 10 influenza A (H3) cases from submitted samples. There were four long-term care facilities with flu outbreaks, one of which was in southeast Iowa. There have also been 174 RSV cases detected in the state. RSV is a respiratory illness for which there is no vaccine. Iowans are encouraged to get annual flu vaccines, and remember to cover your coughs, clean your hands frequently, and contain the spread of illness by staying home when you’re under the weather.