DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Public health officials say two central Iowa men have died from the flu and the state now has one of the highest influenza virus activity rates in the nation.
Iowa Department of Public Health Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says the two men who died were between 41 and 60 years old.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates about 300,000 Iowans get the flu each year and an average of 1,000 die annually from the flu and its complications including pneumonia.
The CDC says Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island currently have the highest influenza activity.
Quinlisk says getting a flu vaccine is the best defense and anti-viral medications started within 48 hours of when symptoms develop can make flu illness shorter and reduce the risk of hospitalization or death.
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