Iowa's first seasonal flu reported

Iowa's first case of seasonal flu was reported Thursday, at a time when flu is typically at its peak in the state.

An unvaccinated Story County woman in her 30s was confirmed to have influenza B, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Attention has been focused much of the past year on H1N1 flu. So far, 41 Iowans have died and 539 had been hospitalized with the new strain of flu.

While thousands of cases of H1N1 flu have been reported nationwide, no states were reporting widespread seasonal flu as of late January, the lat est report available.

Seasonal flu, which is generally more serious for the elderly and very young, and H1N1 require separate vaccinations.

The department's medical director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, noted that it's not too late to get a shot for either flu. Seasonal flu vaccine is available for children as young as 6 months.

Flu, a respiratory illness caused by viruses, can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days.

The department noted that flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza.

Other ways to help prevent the spread of illness include covering coughs and sneezes; washing hands frequently and thoroughly, and staying home when ill.

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