Iowa Flu Continues at ‘Very High Levels’ Despite Trending Drop

I have managed to go the whole winter season so far without as much of a throat tickle. Well, it seems my time has come. After several weeks of my wife and kids battling flu and cold-like symptoms, I have finally begun to succumb to the same illness. The aches are creeping in, the sore throat starts with a tickle, and then the sinuses let loose: it seems much of Iowa, and the U.S., is still dealing with the same issues, despite a trending drop in flu cases.

According to the latest surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Health and Human Services, influenza activity in Iowa remains at “very high” levels. That designation means widespread transmission continues across the state, with flu making up a significant share of doctor and emergency room visits.

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The good news? The numbers appear to be edging down compared to prior weeks. Lab test positivity has dipped slightly, and fewer emergency department visits are being driven by these flu-like illnesses. Still, “very high” activity is nothing to shrug off. Flu is circulating broadly in communities, schools, and workplaces. This is a chance to be diligent in our own care to protect our more vulnerable population. Stay home, rest, and avoid spreading it.

Influenza A remains the dominant strain this season, which tracks with national trends reported by the CDC. Our current numbers place us firmly between the extremes of the 2024/25 flu season and the lower numbers of 2023/24. While RSV and COVID-19 are present, flu is clearly the main driver of respiratory illness in Iowa right now.

It's really quite simple to help protect yourself. Again, Iowans should stay home if sick, practice good hygiene etiquette (cover your mouth when coughing/sneezing, etc.), and wash their hands frequently. Antiviral medications can also help reduce the severity of illness when taken early.  Products like Oseltamivir, Baloxavir marboxil, Zanamivir, and Peramivir have been shown to decrease the length and severity of the illness. Otherwise, you're looking at the classic over-the-counter meds to get a "leg-up" on the symptoms.

So yes, the flu curve may be bending in the right direction, finally. But if your house sounds anything like mine has: coughing, sneezing, tissues piling up, and some form of yellow-brown grotesqueness that hasn't been washed down the bathroom sink drain (ewwwww). No, it’s clear we’re not quite out of the woods just yet.

I'd Rather Be Hiking Than Sick! Check Out My Adventures Below!