Iowa sees more flu hospitalizations

CEDAR RAPIDS - With Iowa in the midst of flu season, local and state public health officials are reporting an increase in hospitalizations and even possible pediatric deaths.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported Friday that 167 people have been hospitalized due to flu this week, up from 130 last week. The majority of hospitalizations are adults aged 64 years old and older.

The state is investigating eight long-term care center outbreaks, and Deputy State Epidemiologist Ann Garvey said it is also looking into three pediatric deaths.

'We hope to get confirmation early next week,” she said.

Iowa and surrounding states have 'widespread” flu activity, the highest level. Flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May.

Hospitals are not required to report the number of adults who die from the flu and its complications, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 1,000 Iowans die each year from the illness.

In Cedar Rapids, hospitals are reporting a definite increase in cases.

UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital reported 102 positive cases between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2, which the hospital said is above average.

Meanwhile, Mercy Medical Center saw 410 flu cases during the month of December, with an uptick in activity beginning on Dec 24. The hospital said 148 cases of the flu came through its emergency department between Dec. 24 and Jan. 2.

The increase has caused Mercy to restrict visitors to its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). NICU visitors are limited to those aged 18 and older.

The IDPH said earlier this week that the most common flu virus circulating is the influenza A (H3N2) strain, adding that the flu season tends to be more severe with more hospitalizations and deaths when that strain is predominant.

Heather Meador, senior public health nurse for Linn County Public Health, said those who are sick should not visit friends or family in the hospital.

'We also don't want our front line health care workers to get sick,” she said.

As flu activity continues to increase across the state, public health officials are still recommending flu shots for everyone 6 months of age and older. Flu shots are especially important for young children, people 65 and older and pregnant women.