Health and Fitness : Two Iowa deaths from influenza: Iowa among three states with most flu activity

Which is it, cold or flu?

Round-up of influenza facts

With the deaths of two middle-aged males reported today by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics want to remind our communities that influenza is deadly and flu vaccines are still available.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 300,000 Iowans will get the flu each year and together with its complications some 1,000 Iowans will die. As the recent deaths show, it isn’t just the very young and very old who succumb.

The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. The most current surveillance shows three states in the nation have the highest estimated influenza activity – Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island.

The flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza but it is also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill. Those reporting to clinics with concerns about cold or flu are reminded to use hand sanitizing products at the door and to wear masks to reduce the chance of transmission.

Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness.

Influenza is not a ‘reportable disease’ in Iowa, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza; however, IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network. This surveillance indicates what types of influenza viruses are circulating and how widespread influenza illness is. For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza/reports.