Influenza activity is still elevated in Iowa and so far, this season 29 people have died. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, last week there were 86 influenza-related hospitalizations and three flu-associated deaths. Last week, 76 schools across Iowa had 10% or greater absence due to illness, including two in Washington County, three in Henry County, and two in Jefferson County.

Washington County Public Health Director Danielle Pettit-Majewski advises people can still get an annual flu shot and benefit from its protection, “We are still in peak influenza season. We’ve seen the lineages shift from the B strain to the A strain. The flu shot does cover four strains, two of B and two of A. So it’s not too late to get your flu shot because you are still at risk, we still have a couple more months of flu season.” People are also reminded to help contain illness by washing their hands frequently, covering their coughs, and staying home when ill.