The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently confirmed the state has seen a rise in influenza activity that experts attribute to three different influenza strains circulating in Iowa.
The three strains include influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3), and influenza B (Victoria). Both of the influenza A strains are included in the traditional flu vaccine that has three strains of influenza. The influenza B strain is in the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which contains four strains of the flu.
Health professionals report that receiving the influenza vaccine may be the wisest method for avoiding contracting the influenza. It isn’t too late to receive a shot for this winter, as influenza season reaches its height in January or February.
“It’s still not too late to receive the vaccine to ensure protection before the peak of flu season hits,”
IDPH Medical Director
Patricia Quinlisk said. “Additionally, even if you have had the flu already, it’s possible to become ill with one of the other strains circulating. Vaccination will protect against getting influenza a second or even third time this year.”
Influenza symptoms include headaches, fever, cough, tiredness, nasal congestion, sore throat and body aches. It is best to contact a physician right away if these symptoms are experienced.
