State officials say flu activity in Iowa is now at a high level.
The state’s respiratory virus surveillance report for the past week shows influenza activity has increased to a high level, while COVID-19 and RSV activity remain low. Aneesa Afroze, an infectious disease specialist with MercyOne, says emergency room visits related to the flu have risen significantly in recent days.
Afroze says respiratory virus infections typically peak during January and February. She encourages Iowans to get tested if they are experiencing symptoms, wear a mask when appropriate and stay home when sick. Afroze also says it is not too late to get a flu shot.
