Nine influenza deaths were recorded in Iowa last week, bringing the total influenza-related deaths to 35 this season, including one child. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, influenza activity is still elevated on multiple measures. There were 55 schools across the state that had 10% or greater absence due to illness. Washington, Henry, and Iowa Counties each had one school fall in that category.

Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher says the best thing to do to prevent spreading illness at this time is to contain it, “The really big message I want to press is that if people are ill they should be staying home. Not going out, not to social events, or parties, or even out in public to go to the grocery store.” She also encourages getting an annual flu vaccine to protect yourself and those around you. Clean your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.