Iowa Health Providers Urge Precautions Amid Respiratory Virus Surge

Flu and RSV cases remain high, leading to crowded emergency rooms

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Health care providers in Iowa are advising residents to take precautions such as handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with vulnerable populations like infants and the elderly, as the state continues to see high levels of respiratory virus activity, particularly from the flu and RSV.

Why it matters

The surge in respiratory illnesses is straining Iowa's healthcare system, with emergency rooms reporting high patient volumes and long wait times. Taking preventive measures can help reduce the spread of these viruses and ease the burden on hospitals.

The details

Janae Brown, a nurse practitioner at UnityPoint, is urging Iowans to follow standard precautions like handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with vulnerable populations. She says emergency rooms in the state are seeing a high number of people with respiratory virus symptoms, leading to overcrowding and long wait times.

  • The current respiratory virus surge has been ongoing in Iowa.

The players

Janae Brown

A nurse practitioner at UnityPoint health care provider.

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What they’re saying

“Wash your hands. Stay home when you're sick. Stay away from infants and elderly people, especially if you're sick. Try to utilize the urgent cares and family practice clinics as much as possible over the ER.”

— Janae Brown, Nurse Practitioner (kbur.com)

The takeaway

By taking simple precautions like handwashing and staying home when sick, Iowans can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and ease the strain on the state's healthcare system during this ongoing surge.