The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced the first flu-related death of the 2016-2017 influenza season, an elderly (81 years of age and older) Central Iowa woman who had underlying health conditions. Influenza activity in Iowa has been low so far this season, but IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, says this death is an indication that flu can be a serious illness. "This death is an unfortunate reminder the flu virus does have the potential to cause severe illness and death, especially in the very young, very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.”
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans that vaccinations and healthy behaviors are the best ways to prevent the spread of illness during this holiday season. “There is still time to get a flu vaccination to offer protection over the holidays,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “As people gather for meals and parties, or travel by planes and automobiles, they’re more likely to spread illness around. Receiving the flu vaccine will help you stay healthy to enjoy all the festivities, and will also keep you from making others sick.”
Every year, thousands of children receive lottery and scratch-off tickets in holiday stockings and as gifts from relatives. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) want to spread the word that lottery and other gambling products are not for children.
A report released by the U.S. Surgeon General concludes one in seven people in the U.S. is expected to develop a substance use disorder at some point in their lives. Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health notes that while substance misuse and use disorders may occur at any age, adolescence and young adulthood are particularly critical periods.
