Flu is reported as widespread in Iowa

Iowa Department of Public Health Director Patricia Quinlisk says flu is widespread in Iowa--and she doubts the tide of illnesses will ebb soon.  Quinlisk is predicting this winter will be "a relatively bad and prolonged flu season."

Meanwhile, Gundersen Lutheran has put into effect restrictions on patient visits at its hospital in La Crosse, asking people who are not feeling well or who have symptoms of the flu not to visit patients in the hospital.

Health officials say there is still time to get a flu shot this winter.  However, the Winneshiek County Public Health Department has run out of the vaccine, as have some--but not all--pharmacies in NE Iowa.  Contact your local pharmacy before coming in for a flu shot.