DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported the first influenza-related death of the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season. As flu strains and other respiratory viruses circulate in the state, health officials are urging Iowans to prioritize their health and the well-being of their community.
The victim, an older adult from southern Iowa, was between 61 and 80 years old. This unfortunate loss serves as a reminder of the importance of preventative measures and vaccinations during respiratory virus season.
State Medical Director Robert Kruse emphasized the need for Iowans to practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and consult healthcare providers regarding vaccines and other preventive measures against influenza and other respiratory diseases. To help Iowans stay healthy, health officials provided the following tips:
1. Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others.
2. Clean high-touch surfaces in your home regularly using household disinfectants.
3. Practice proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If a tissue is not available, use your upper shirt sleeve instead of your hand.
5. Avoid social gatherings if you or your children are ill.
6. Keep children home from daycare or school if they have fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
In addition to these measures, health officials strongly recommend vaccinations as they can protect individuals from serious illness and death caused by respiratory diseases such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Those with questions about vaccines are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider. Information on healthcare providers offering vaccines can be found at https://www.vaccines.gov/.
As the influenza-related death serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing threat of respiratory viruses, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and health officials urge the public to take these precautions seriously. By prioritizing their own health and the well-being of their community, Iowans can help minimize the impact of respiratory illnesses during this season.
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