DES MOINES – As many as 25 people are dead in Iowa from the flu since October and recent spike has taken 11, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says.
The number of influenza-related deaths in Iowa now stands at 25 since October 2, 2016, including 11 deaths reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) during the week ending January 28, 2017, IDPH reported Monday. However, all but one of the individuals who have died had underlying conditions or contributing factors.
The deaths include 19 elderly (81+ years of age) and two older adults (61 to 80 years). “While it is never too late to get a flu vaccination, the time to get the most benefit from one is starting to dwindle,” said State Epidemiologist and IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “The flu vaccination takes a few days to reach its maximum protection level, so waiting too much longer will mean diminished protection during the peak of the season.” Another way to prevent influenza spread is to remember the 3 Cs – Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands; and Contain germs by staying home when ill, and especially for at least 24 hours after a fever stops.
Flu activity in Iowa (and most of the nation) is widespread, the highest category. Because influenza is not a ‘reportable’ disease in Iowa, doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a case is diagnosed; however, IDPH conducts 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. All four flu strains covered by this year’s vaccine have been reported in the state.
During cold weather, cases of norovirus, or the ‘stomach bug’, tend to increase. Norovirus is often mistakenly called ‘the flu’, but it is not related to influenza. Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhea and is prevented through proper food handling, hand washing, and staying home when ill. There is no vaccine for noroviruses. Influenza, on the other hand, can be prevented or its severity diminished with the flu vaccine. 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. 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.
During January 22-28, 2017, influenza activity increased in the United States. The most frequently identified influenza virus subtype reported by public health laboratories during this time frame was influenza A (H3). The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories increased. Seven influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.
11 states, including Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota experienced moderate to widespread influenza-like illness (ILI) activity.
I am on here every single day. You are just not smart enough to know it. I will be around long enough to piss on your grave you big mouth, snowflake.
Flu often kills weak elderly people, has anyone heard from LVS lately?
First of all the CDC admits the flu shot fails half of the time. And then for those 65 years or older studies show the effectiveness of the flu vaccine in the past few years has been close to zero; which means it is not protecting any of them. On top of that the article stated that 24 died due to underlying or other contributing factors. And as a previous comment asked – wonder how many of these 25 did have the flu shot – but they officials wont put that information out there because then more people would not get the shot.
Of course they won’t put that information out there because then there goes there funding. Funding for something that doesn’t work most of the time. It’s all about pharmaceutical my dear!
24
I wonder how many of the 25 had the flu shot.
With any luck the Dumb Ass Troll will catch the flu.
Shame on you for wishing misfortune on anyone. Karma will fall upon you.
I hope you get it too.