Influenza activity in Iowa is below the typical season high but has been increasing on most indicators over the last few weeks according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Their most recent flu activity report shows there were 22 influenza-associated hospitalizations. For a cumulative, there have been 84 hospitalizations and five deaths since September 29th. Schools have reported 2.2% absence due to illness and four schools have reported having greater than 10% absence due to illness. Besides getting the annual flu vaccine, Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber says other ways to protect yourself and others from getting the flu include avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home from work, school or errands when you are sick; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing hands often, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as that can often spread germs.