The medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health confirms the flu is spreading much faster than usual this season. Dr. Caitlin Pedati  says there were nearly 700 confirmed flu cases statewide through the end of December, compared to only about 150 a year ago. Dr. Pedati At this point a year ago, one Iowan had died from flu complications, but this season, the number is far higher.

While the flu numbers are significantly higher this season compared to last year, Pedati notes this season is still tracking below the 2017-2018 season, which was particularly bad.