The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services works with Iowa schools, local public health and the Iowa Department of Education to track and respond to reports of influenza (flu) and other illness in schools. This page offers guidance to K-12 students, staff, and parents to help detect and reduce the spread of flu in schools.
School reporting and surveillance systems
Daily student absence due to illness of 10% or greater
- Schools are asked to report absenteeism when 10% or more of the total enrollment is absent on any given day due to illness.
Weekly school illness absence reporting
- Sentinel schools that participate in Iowa influenza surveillance report absences due to illness each week via an online tool. For more information about school influenza surveillance, please contact the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology at (800) 362-2736.
Seasonal Flu Resources
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Influenza Fact Sheets
- Key Facts about Influenza (CDC)
- Guidance for School Administrators (CDC)
- How to Clean and Disinfect Schools (CDC)
- Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines (CDC)