Flu In Iowa: 8 More Deaths Bring Season Toll To 14

DES MOINES, IA — Influenza levels continue to build in Iowa and the Iowa Department of Public Health today confirmed an additional eight flu-related deaths. Two of those who died were between the ages of 61 and 80 and the others were 81 or older.

Since Oct. 1, 14 influenza-related deaths have been reported in the state. Health officials said the predominant strain of flu this season, AH3N2, is particularly serious among the very young, very old or those with weakened immune systems.

The deaths reported to health officials have occurred in all regions of the state and the average age of the patient was 85.

Among the latest reported deaths, five occurred in Central Iowa and included two female older adults ages 61 to 80, two elderly females 81 or older, and one elderly male. Two of the deaths occurred in Southwest Iowa (both were elderly females) and one death, an elderly male, occurred in Eastern Iowa. Five of the eight individuals had an underlying health condition.

“It’s not too late yet to get a flu shot,” said Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director and State Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Getting vaccinated now will still offer protection from serious disease, hospitalization and death for most of the flu season. We will very likely continue to see the flu for months.”

Health officials said it is also important to contact your health care provider as soon as possible after flu symptoms begin, especially if you are at high risk of complications and serious disease. Starting on anti-viral medications within a day or two of the start of symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of serious disease, hospitalization or death.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and often puts healthy people in bed for days.

Because influenza is not a reportable disease in Iowa, doctors are not required to notify the health department each time a case is diagnosed; however, health officials conduct influenza surveillance that helps identify what strains of flu are circulating, how widespread illness is, and in what regions of the state illness is occurring. While cases of influenza are not reportable, influenza-related deaths are reported to the health department.

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