Lang
12/3/22
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the first influenza-related deaths of the flu season, which began on October 3rd.
The younger of the two victims was 81 years old. Both were from northern Iowa with underlying conditions.
The most recent state flu report shows the virus at a moderately high level of activity, with Iowa hospitals reporting high patient admission rates.
Health and Human Services officials say getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family from severe illness, hospitalization and death. Iowans should also follow simple practices to keep themselves and their family members healthy during respiratory virus season.
Practical Tips to Stay Healthy:
- Get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently with household disinfectants.
- Practice hand hygiene frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or hand sanitizer.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover them with upper shirt sleeve, not a hand.
- Avoid social gatherings if you or your children are ill.
- Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, and until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.
If you or a loved one is sick and needs medical care contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID-19 or flu, and the best location for care. Iowans should not visit Emergency Department for cold and flu symptoms, sore throats, ear infections, minor burns or injuries, sprains and strains, rash or other skin irritations.
Additional Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination information:
- Vaccinate your children ages 6 months and older against influenza as soon as possible.
- Vaccinate your children ages 6 months and older against COVID-19; children 5 and older who had their primary series more than 2 months ago should receive an updated COVID-19 booster as soon as possible.
Iowans with questions about vaccines should speak to their health care provider. Find a vaccine provider here: or https://www.vaccines.gov/.