Two more Iowans have died from H1N1, including a Johnson County adult, the Department of Public Health reported Wednesday.

The other fatality reported was an adult from Floyd County, officials said.

Since September, 21 Iowans have died from the novel influenza strain and 600 have been hospitalized.

Half of the deaths were of adults ages 25 to 49. One-quarter of those hospitalized were between the ages of 5 and 18.

To prevent the spread of H1N1, public-health officials recommend people wash hands often, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or arm, and stay home if not feeling well.

— by Brian Stewart