Influenza activity in Iowa usually peaks in February, but this year it is peaking later. Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher tells KCII News that the peak seems to be occurring from the last week of February and continuing now in to March. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, last week there were 53 schools across the state with 10% of greater absence due to illness, including two in Henry County and two in Johnson County.

There were 101 flu-related hospitalizations and the proportion of outpatient visits due to influenza-like illness increased to its highest value this season at 4.38%. The regional baseline is 1.6%. Five people died last week due to influenza. There have been 26 influenza related deaths in Iowa this season, including one child.

To prevent the spread of illness stay home when you’re ill, clean your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and get an annual flu vaccine.