DES MOINES, Iowa —

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services reported late last week the state’s first flu-related death of the season — an older adult from southwest Iowa.

Janae Brown, a nurse practitioner with UnityPoint, said the hospital has not seen many cases yet but is preparing for a spike and has encountered patient hesitancy about the influenza vaccine.

“If you're sick, stay home. Especially don't want to be around new born babies or your elderly grandparents when you're sick, so stay home if you're sick, wash your hands, get your immunization, that's the best you can do,” Brown said.

State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse issued a statement urging Iowans to talk with their doctors about the vaccine and reminding anyone who is ill — or whose children are ill — to stay

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