Flu activity in Iowa at this time is minimal, but widespread. Our neighbors to the east, Illinois, have moderate to high influenza-like illness activity. In Iowa, so far this flu season, there have been 11 influenza-associated deaths. According to the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network, during the last reporting week flu activity in the state was increasing with 28 confirmed cases of influenza A and 16 of influenza B. There were also 34 influenza-related hospitalizations reported.

Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health says they usually see flu activity peak in February. She reminds people to cover their coughs, clean their hands frequently and contain illness by staying home when you’re ill.