Iowa’s respiratory illness season may last several more weeks as cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain elevated across the state. According to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), RSV activity remained high throughout February and has continued to increase in late winter, suggesting the virus has not yet reached its seasonal peak in Iowa. In the past three respiratory virus seasons, RSV activity typically peaked by January. This year’s later rise means moderate to high levels of illness could continue for several more weeks before declining. For most people, RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy patients. However, it can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization in infants, older adults, and people with other comorbidities. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the United States. Preventive immunization products are available for infants, pregnant women, and others at higher risk of severe illness. They encourage Iowans with concerns about RSV risk to speak with their health care provider about protective options and prevention measures. Influenza activity remains high in the state, but cases are declining from the January peak.
