Area flu cases third most active in country; schools feeling effects

The flu season seems to be hitting its peak, and communities across eastern Iowa are feeling the effects.

says eastern Iowa has the third most flu activity in the county. That includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo and Iowa City. Iowa as a whole is also seeing the third highest flu activity. This seems to be catching up with the Dubuque Community School District.

Lead Nurse Rhona Ramler said despite a large number of school days, flu cases began to rise quickly when kids were in school.

She's seen kids with symptoms including fever, congestion, and coughing. When kids are sick, she's asking parents to respect the 24-hour rule. That means they should keep their kids home at least 24 hours after the child's last symptom.

Ramler said she reports to the state when a school hits the 10 percent mark of influenza cases.

"This last week and this week we've had a handful of buildings who have had a couple of days where they've been at 10 percent or higher," she said.

She said the district is seeing the most flu cases in its elementary schools. In those buildings, teachers are focusing on good hygiene practices and custodial staff is cleaning often.

Ramler said it isn't too late to get a flu shot for those who haven't.

Along with the schools feeling the effects, area hospitals are too.

enacted visitation restrictions.