(Radio Iowa) The Iowa Department of Public Health’s website shows influenza activity in the state has been low, but it’s starting to increase. Public health and hospital officials are urging Iowans to get flu shots. Nola Aigner-Davis of the Polk County Public Health Department says Iowa’s medical system is under stress due to the pandemic.

Aigner Davis says the rise in the Covid patient count in Iowa hospitals comes as Iowans who waited to seek care for a serious illness are now hospitalized, too.

The flu shot is available to anyone who is six months or older. According to Iowa Department of Public Health data for August, 16 schools reported at least 10 percent of students were absent due to the flu.