Influenza activity in Iowa continued to increase last week and one influenza-related death was recorded, bringing the season’s mortality rate to nine. Last week there were five long-term care outbreaks and 11 schools with 10% or greater absence due to illness. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, the proportion of outpatient visits due to influenza-like illness increased to 2.53%, above the regional baseline of 1.6%. Twenty-six people were hospitalized for influenza-related illness. To help prevent the spread of illness remember the three C’s: clean hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and contain illness by staying home when you’re sick.