Two Iowa flu deaths reported

It's only November and there already have been two influenza-related deaths in Iowa.

Public health officials said on Monday that two middle-aged men from central Iowa - aged 41 to 60 years old - died from the illness.

'It's a little bit early to see deaths, especially for those who are middle-aged,” said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa Department of Public Health's medical director.

Flu activity is gaining speed, Quinlisk added. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. Public health surveillance shows Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island have the highest estimated influenza activity in the nation.

'Things are getting started, there have already been some hospitalizations,” Quinlisk added.

Flu comes on suddenly and symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. The illness typically lasts two to seven days, IDPH said.

The flu is not a reportable disease, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza. But the IDPH conducts year-round flu surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network.

The IDPH estimates 300,000 Iowans get the flu every year. Flu and its complication of pneumonia cause an average of 1,000 deaths annually in Iowa.

Quinlisk said that it appears the predominant flu strain this flu season will be the A (H3N2) strain - which typically brings a more severe flu season, with more hospitalizations and more deaths.

'But the vaccine looks to be a good match for all four strains,” she said.

IDPH officials recommend annual flu vaccinations for everyone 6 months and older. It is especially important for young children, people 65 and older and pregnant women.

And with Thanksgiving a little more than a week away, Quinlisk urged Iowans to receive a vaccination before traveling and being with family.

'It's important before you spend time with a grandparent or hold that new baby,” she said.