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Iowa flu hospitalization doubles in recent weeks

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December 20th, 2014 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa health officials say the number of Iowans hospitalized for flu complications has more than doubled in recent weeks. The Des Moines Register reports that senior citizens in Iowa are being hit especially hard. A report released Friday by the Iowa Department of Public Health says more than half of Iowans being hospitalized for the flu are 65 or older.

The latest report says that through Dec. 13, 65 Iowans were hospitalized for the flu at a set of hospitals monitored by the department. That was up from 50 the previous week, and 26 the week before that. Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, the department’s medical director, says the Type A H3N2 is the most common strain of the flu hitting the state.