Beware of the respiratory illnesses infiltrating Iowa

Respiratory illnesses are swirling around Iowa, based on state data. Health care professionals are urging residents to keep themselves and others safe.

In its latest respiratory virus surveillance report issued this month, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services documented high COVID-19 activity and moderate influenza activity.

Of the 4,229 COVID-19 lab tests administered from New Year’s Eve to Jan. 6, about 17 percent came back positive. That’s down from about 20 percent from the week before, but up from 11 percent at this time last year.

About 5 percent of Iowa’s emergency room visits from the first week of 2024 were due to COVID-19, and there were 329 hospitalizations. Nine COVID-19 deaths were reported.

About 16 percent of the 4,207 influenza lab tests performed in that time frame came back positive, down from about 17 percent the week before but up from 13.5 percent at this time last year.

Five flu outbreaks in Iowa long-term care facilities were reported. There were 78 hospitalizations due to the flu, and two deaths. At this time last year, there were 202 flu-related hospitalizations and 20 deaths.

RSV cases are on the rise. The percentage of lab tests coming back positive for the respiratory virus increased from 13.8 percent at the end of 2023 to 14.6 percent by the first week of 2024.

In the first week of January, schools reported illness-related absences for 3 percent the state’s enrolled students. One school in Southeast Iowa reported 10 percent or more of its total enrollment was absent due to illness.

The Eastern Iowa Health Center, Linn County Public Health, Mercy Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Cedar Rapids all encouraged residents to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses. You can help prevent the spread of illnesses by covering your coughs and sneezes, cleaning your hands frequently and staying home when you feel sick.

COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are widely available at local health care provider offices, pharmacies and Linn County Public Health. You can find a vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov.

Comments: (319) 398-8370; brittney.miller@thegazette.com