The number of flu deaths has risen in Iowa, including two women in southeast Iowa.

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health there have been six influenza-related deaths since October. Two of those were in southeast Iowa, including a female between 61 and 80 years old and an elderly female over 81.

Washington County Public Health Nurse Lynn Fisher shares how people can help prevent the spread of illness this winter, “Very common that people so easily forget: covering your cough, covering your sneeze; washing your hands, washing your hands when you leave a restaurant, or before you eat, or when you leave a store; and staying home if you’re sick, as well, so that it isn’t spread about in the community, very simple steps.” Also, the Centers for Disease Control still recommends that anyone over six months of age receive a flu vaccination.