Iowa HHS Reports First Flu Death of Season

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Published November 21st, 2025

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The deceased was an older adult from southwest Iowa. HHS encourages preventative measures and vaccination.

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What changed

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season, involving an older adult from southwest Iowa. While current flu activity is reported as low, HHS is using this event to remind the public about preventative measures and the importance of vaccination.

While this is an informational notice and does not impose new regulatory requirements, healthcare providers and public health authorities should be aware of this announcement. The notice emphasizes encouraging vaccination, staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical advice when necessary. No specific compliance actions or deadlines are mandated by this release, but it serves as a reminder for ongoing public health guidance.

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HHS Identifies First Flu Death of Season

Friday, November 21, 2025
News Release

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces today the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The individual was an older adult from southwest Iowa.

Iowa’s most recent Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows the virus at a very low level of activity, and hospitals are currently reporting low patient admission rates. Although flu activity in Iowa is currently low, Iowans can take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their families healthy throughout the respiratory virus season.

“Holiday gatherings bring us together with family and friends we may not see often,” said State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse. “To keep those celebrations, our workplaces and our communities safe and healthy, I encourage everyone to stay home when feeling sick and to talk with your healthcare provider about vaccination."

Vaccination protects from serious illness and death from respiratory diseases like flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HHS encourages Iowans to talk to their doctor or other trusted health care provider about vaccines, especially those with chronic health conditions who may be at higher risk for serious illness.

Additional Tips to Stay Healthy:

Stay home and avoid social gatherings if you or your children are sick.
Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently with household disinfectants.
Practice hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover them with an upper shirt sleeve, not a hand.
Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, and until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever. If you or a loved one is sick and needs medical care, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can offer advice on whether you or your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for flu or other respiratory diseases, and the best location for care.