DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Department of Public Health is getting a sense of the most prevalent strains of flu in the state this season.
The Department's Medical Director says they're seeing the more-rare Influenza B...
"Younger people who haven't been exposed to a circulating B virus might not have as good of an immune response, which is all the more reason why it's important that people get their flu shots--and it is not too late to do that" says Dr. Caitlin Pedati.
She says that vaccination may not prevent you from getting the flu, but it could make the symptoms less severe.
"Even when the vaccine is not a perfect match, it still offers some protection. We have data that shows those people who get vaccinated are less likely to suffer severe complications, hospitalizations and death" Pedati says.
The most recent numbers from the Department of Public Health show 12 people have died from flu-related complications so far this season.
Image courtesy U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention