Influenza Information for Schools

The Iowa Department of Public Health 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.
  • Iowa School 10% Absenteeism Electronic Reporting
  • Iowa 10 pct illness instructions PK-12 for 2022-23 school year 

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 Public Health 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)

Disease Prevention Materials

• Flu Information for Parents with Young Children
• IDPH Materials order form  
• Free Flu Resouces (CDC)
• Flu Prevention Tool Kit (CDC)
• Health Habits to Prevent the Flu (CDC)
• Handwashing Posters (CDC)
• Iowa COVID-19 and K-12 School Update for Fall 2021