DES MOINES, Iowa- Iowa has recorded the first flu-related death of the season. State health officials say a middle aged, eastern Iowa man, with underlying health issues has died, and the flu was a factor in his death.
State health officials say flu activity in Iowa has increased over the last month, and the flu has been reported in every region of the state.
Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director, Dr. Caitlin Pedati is reminding Iowans who haven't done so, to be vaccinated agains the flu.
"This death is an unfortunate reminder the flu virus does have the potential to cause severe illness and death, especially in the very young, very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.”said Dr. Padati.
The CDC recommends that essentially everyone over 6 months of age should receive the flu vaccine. It takes up to two weeks after vaccination for the body to achieve full benefit against the flu virus.