Respiratory Illness Season Is Here – It’s Not Too Late to Take Action

Respiratory illnesses are here in Linn County. People are getting sick with COVID-19, influenza and other viruses. It’s not too late to prevent severe illnesses and hospitalization from respiratory illnesses. In fact, now is the time to do so.

While COVID-19 and influenza are not reportable illnesses in Iowa, it’s important to know that cases are on the rise, based on the latest data from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ Week 52 Iowa Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report. Currently, the State of Iowa is experiencing high COVID-19 activity and moderate influenza activity. Additionally in Iowa, there is a dramatic increase in emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses, specifically COVID-19 and influenza.

Eastern Iowa Health Center, Mercy Medical Center, Linn County Public Health, and UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids strongly encourage Linn County residents to take action during respiratory illness season by remembering the 3Cs and the importance of getting vaccinated:

• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are unavailable.
• If sick, contain your germs by staying home.
• COVID-19 and influenza vaccines remain widely available at local healthcare provider offices, pharmacies and Linn County Public Health. You can find a vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov.

To decrease your chances of severe illness from COVID-19 and/or influenza, it is important to practice all of these strategies.

For any questions about respiratory illness season, please ask your healthcare provider. Additional information about respiratory illness season can be found on the Linn County Public Health website.

Together, we can work toward overcoming respiratory illness season and looking ahead to a healthy and safe 2024.