Statewide Iowa — (RI) — Iowa Department of Public Health medical director Caitlin Pedati says the flu-related deaths of two Iowa women should be a reminder to everyone to get a flu shot.
Doctor Pedati says a flu shot is still the best way to prevent you from getting sick, and it’s not too late in the season for the shot to still be effective. She says they flu appears to be more prevalent in Iowa now.
She says they are seeing an increase in the number of cases of flu.
Pedati says the flu vaccine provides protection that goes beyond the person getting it.
The two confirmed flu-related deaths were women in central and northwest Iowa who had other underlying conditions. Doctor Pedati says you should take other precautions that will help prevent the spread of flu and other diseases.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. 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. To learn more about flu in Iowa, go to the Iowa Department of Public Health website.
