The flu continues to tumble through the heartland as Nebraska and Iowa schools report sharp increases in absenteeism.

OPS reports five elementary schools and seven middle and high schools had more than 10% of students out with the flu last week. At one school, the number of ill students was closer to 20%.

Officials in Iowa say the percentage of school absences due to illness has nearly doubled since December.

The Douglas County Health Department reported 426 total cases as of Tuesday, February 12th.

The latest report from the Hawkeye State comes from the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network (IISN), documenting confirmed cases of influenza across the state. Iowa is one of 31 states where flu activity has reached a widespread level.

“The flu bug isn’t picky this year,” said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) epidemiologist Meghan Harris. “We’re seeing all age groups getting sick with the flu. That’s why it’s so important that everyone gets vaccinated.”

Harris says although the number of influenza cases is peaking, the numbers are likely to stay high for several weeks. Typically the longer it stays cold outside, the longer the flu season.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot. Vaccination now can still provide protection for the remainder of the flu season, which can last as late as May. In addition, simple steps like frequent hand washing and not coughing or sneezing on people can help prevent the spread of influenza. Most importantly, if you or your child is ill, stay home from work or school.

Iowa health officials say that this year’s vaccine protects against the most common flu virus circulating in Iowa. The vaccine also provides some protection against other strains, but not all.

The most common symptoms of influenza are fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Vomiting, diarrhea or a stomach ache are not symptoms of influenza. Most people recover from influenza within a week, but the virus can cause complications such as pneumonia in the very young, the elderly, or those with chronic diseases.