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Three flu strains identified in Iowa
Posted: 12.06.2010 at 2:35 PM
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DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) -- State health officials say three separate flu strains have been identified in Iowa as flu season gets under way.
The Iowa Department of Public Health on Monday says the findingsare unusual, but point out this year's vaccine protects against all three.
State medical director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says it's rare to see three strains so early in the season, which means it's possible for someone to get the flu three times.. She advises Iowans to get a flu shot.
Iowa saw a jump in flu cases last week, which officials say is a clear indication that flu season has started.
The flu shot protects against influenza A, influenza B and the swine flu, or HINI virus, that so caused so much illness last season.
(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)