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Iowa Health and Human Services officials announced Friday that it has recorded the first flu-related death of the season.

According to a news release, an older adult in southwest Iowa has died from influenza.

“Holiday gatherings bring us together with family and friends we may not see often,” State Medical Director Robert Kruse said in a release announcing the death . “To keep those celebrations, our workplaces and our communities safe and healthy, I encourage everyone to stay home when feeling sick and to talk with your health care provider about vaccination."

According to Iowa’s most recent Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report , hospitals around the state are reporting low patient adm

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