Flu kills four elderly Iowans, as serious outbreak worsens

Flu viruses are taking a toll among Iowa’s elderly residents, amid one of the most severe flu outbreaks the state has seen in recent years.

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported Friday that it has recorded four recent deaths from flu-related illnesses. The average age of the victims was 86. Three of the four had other health issues that could have made them more susceptible to flu complications.

“These deaths are a sad reminder that influenza hits the very young, very old and those with weakened immune systems especially hard,” Patricia Quinlisk, the department’s medical director, said in a press release. “While it’s important that these individuals get the flu vaccine, it’s equally important that young and healthy Iowans be vaccinated so they don’t spread the flu to others who may be at higher risk.”

The state health department said Friday that it has investigated flu outbreaks in 21 nursing homes and other long-term care facilities this winter, and it said outpatient clinics reported seeing more patients for flu symptoms last week than during any week the previous winter.

An "A" strain of flu, H3N2, is the main one being seen in Iowa, the health department reported. That strain "is associated with high levels of hospitalizations and deaths among all ages, but especially the elderly and very young children."

State experts urged physicians to order anti-viral medications for flu patients, especially for those with chronic health problems that make them susceptible to pneumonia and other deadly complications. The department noted such medications are most useful if taken as soon as symptoms begin. It said the drugs can also be used to try to prevent illness among some patients, including those in nursing homes where the flu is present.

Public-health experts also continue to recommend almost everyone older than 6 months seek flu vaccinations. There have been concerns about the effectiveness of this year’s flu shots, but doctors say they should offer at least some protection. People who are infected with the flu despite being vaccinated are likely to have milder symptoms, experts say.

The state has now recorded a total of six flu-related deaths this season. However, the total could be higher, because it often takes several weeks between a death and when the cause is confirmed and recorded. Last season, the state recorded 135 flu-related deaths.

Iowa also is seeing a wave of other illnesses, including relatively severe cold viruses and stomach bugs.

Influenza is marked by coughs, sneezing, high fevers and body aches. Cold viruses don’t tend to cause fevers, but some of them circulating this year are causing serious, lingering coughs and congestion.

The flu can be especially deadly to the elderly, young children and people with chronic health problems, such as diabetes, asthma or heart conditions.

Besides promoting vaccinations, experts recommend people cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; wash their hands often and thoroughly; stay home when they're ill; and get plenty of rest and fluids. Doctors recommend seeking medical attention if patients are having trouble breathing, if they're hard to wake up or if they have high fevers. Fevers that recede then recur can be a particular dire sign, because they could indicate a person has been infected with a secondary bug, such as a dangerous bacteria.