The Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday confirmed the influenza-related deaths of two middle-aged (41 to 60 years of age) in central Iowa. The most current surveillance shows Iowa as one of the three states in the nation with the highest estimated influenza activity – Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island.
In response to the increase in influenza activity, Greene County Medical Center’s public health department has added several flu shot clinics as follows:
- Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 3 to 4:30 pm
- Thursday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 to 7 pm
- Friday, Nov. 20, from 9:30 to 4 pm
- Monday, Nov. 23, from 9:30 to 4 pm; family flu clinic from 4:30 to 7 pm.
The cost is $32 for the injection or $40 for the mist. The cost is billable to Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross/Blue Shield as indicated. Call 515-386-3228 for more information.
Based on CDC’s national estimates, an average of 300,000 Iowans get the flu every year and together, flue and its complication of pneumonia cause an average of 1,000 deaths yearly in Iowa. The flue vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza; however, it is also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hand frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.
Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness can come on suddenly and typically lasts two to seven days. It can cause severe illness or death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. Both the recent influenza deaths in Iowa occurred in individuals with underlying health conditions.
