The Iowa Department of Public Health says there are signs the flu is picking up in the state. Deputy State Epidemiologist, Ann Garvey, says they are now calling this a “widespread” outbreak.
Garvey says a large number of people who’re are going to the hospital with the flu are over the age of 64.
Several flu outbreaks have been reported in long-term care facilities, especially in central and western Iowa. I-D-P-H reported earlier that the flu vaccine is not covering the flu as well as expected, but Garvey says it’s still important to get a flu shot.
Garvey says the simple prevention rules they talk about year-round are even more important with the flu being active. Flu cases are also widespread in Minnesota, with numerous cases reported in Nebraska. Two deaths related to the flu have been reported in South Dakota.
