Flu activity in Iowa has been increasing over the past few weeks.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that 60-percent of the 449 hospitalizations for influenza-related illnesses have occured in the last four weeks, and more than half of the 20 influenza-related deaths have come within the last two weeks. The report shows that the first pediatric influenza-associated death this season was reported last week. Health officials are still encouraging anyone who hasn’t gotten their flu vaccine to get one yet this season.

Greene County Medical Center Infection Preventionist Sandy Atkinson says the flu shot is still the number one defense against the flu, because once you contract the virus, there’s nothing you can do but let it run its course.

“The nice thing about the influenza vaccine is that it helps to decrease the symptoms of influenza. So rather than feeling as tough as you could if you hadn’t gotten the vaccine, it will actually help you to feel better.”

The common signs and symptoms of the flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and headaches. Flu shots are available at any pharmacy, your medical provider, medical clinic or at Greene County Public Health Department.