Waterloo Times

The Iowa Department of Public Health is encouraging Iowans to prepare for the flu season even as COVID-19 data shows a decline in positive tests and hospitalizations.

As of Oct. 19, there were 557 coronavirus patients in hospitals (142 patients in intensive care units), with 100 deaths between Aug. 17 and Oct. 13 (total deaths 6,848), the Iowa COVID-19 Summary for Oct. 19 said. There were 6,485 positive tests in the previous seven days, the summary said.

“Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered during the same doctor’s visit. Patients should talk to their health care provider about recommended vaccines. Don’t wait, vaccinate. Make an appointment today!” the IDPH tweeted.

Vaccinations are the best tools to protect against the coronavirus, the IDPH tweeted. As of Oct. 19, over 3.6 million total vaccination doses were administered, with 67.2% of those ages 18 and over being fully vaccinated, the summary said.

Chas Hidy, who lives in Iowa, tweeted about an experience with coronavirus mitigations.

“We didn't listen to the facts that masks help and that we should social distance and covid spread like a wildfire. It was out of hand. Then people started being forced to wear masks, cases went down significantly,” Hidy tweeted.