Des Moines — The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Friday (oct. 27), announced the first influenza-related death of the 2023-24 respiratory virus season. The individual was an older adult (61 to 80 years) from southern Iowa.

Influenza (flu) strains, along with other respiratory viruses are circulating in the state. Iowa’s most recent Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows the virus at a low level of activity, and hospitals are currently reporting low patient admission rates. Although flu activity in Iowa is currently low, Iowans can take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their families healthy throughout the respiratory virus season.

“During respiratory virus season, it’s important for Iowans to prioritize their health and the well-being of their community,” said State Medical Director Robert Kruse. “Iowans should practice good hygiene, stay home when they’re sick and consult their healthcare providers about vaccines and other preventive measures against influenza and other respiratory diseases.”

Vaccination protects from serious illness and death from respiratory diseases like flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HHS encourages Iowans to talk to their doctor or other trusted health care provider about vaccines, especially those with chronic health conditions who may be at higher risk for serious illness.

Additional Tips to Stay Healthy:

• Stay home if you are sick to keep others safe.
• Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently with household disinfectants.
• Practice hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover them with an upper shirt sleeve, not a hand.
• Avoid social gatherings if you or your children are ill.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, and until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.

If you or a loved one is sick and needs medical care, contact your healthcare provider. Your provider can offer advice on whether you or your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for flu or other respiratory diseases, and the best location for care. Iowans should not visit a hospital emergency department for minor respiratory symptoms.

Iowans with questions about vaccines should speak to their health care provider. Locate healthcare providers with vaccines at https://www.vaccines.gov/.