DES MOINES, Iowa (KTIV) - The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces Friday, Nov. 21, 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, state officials say people should still 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

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