Flu cases are rising sharply in Illinois, pushing the state back into the “high” category for respiratory illness activity. Health officials are urging residents to take precautions as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to spread.

Illinois Sees Surge in Flu Cases

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), emergency room visits related to influenza have increased significantly in recent weeks. The state’s overall respiratory illness activity, which had previously dropped to “moderate” levels in January, has now escalated to “high.” The latest data shows that 7.8% of emergency department visits in Illinois are due to the flu. When combined with other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV, respiratory-related emergency visits account for 20% of hospital admissions statewide.

Health officials are closely monitoring the situation as flu activity remains unpredictable. In previous years, the flu season in Illinois has typically peaked between December and February but can extend as late as May. This means that cases could continue rising over the coming weeks.

CDC Reports Increased Flu Activity Nationwide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also reported a nationwide increase in flu activity. The number of outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses continues to climb, with older adults and young children being most affected. Hospital admission rates for the flu are particularly high among individuals aged 75 and older.

Additionally, the CDC warns that multiple respiratory viruses are circulating at once, leading to what some experts call a “quad-demic.” The simultaneous spread of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory infections is putting pressure on hospitals across the country.

Illinois Health Officials Recommend Flu Prevention Measures

With flu cases rising, health officials emphasize the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. The IDPH urges residents to:

• Get vaccinated – The flu shot is the best defense against severe illness and complications.
• Practice good hygiene – Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and disinfect surfaces.
• Stay home when sick – To prevent spreading the flu, avoid work, school, and public places when experiencing symptoms.
• Wear a mask in crowded places – Especially for those at higher risk of complications.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra stated, “Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. We encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk, to get their flu shots as soon as possible.”

Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Help

The flu can cause mild to severe symptoms, including:

• Fever or chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches and fatigue
• Headaches

While most flu cases resolve at home with rest and fluids, some individuals may develop complications that require medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent chest pain
• Severe dehydration (dizziness, inability to urinate)
• Symptoms that worsen after initial improvement

Flu Outlook for Illinois

Health officials warn that flu cases may continue rising in the coming weeks. With Illinois back to high levels of respiratory illness, residents should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

For more details on flu trends and health recommendations, visit CDC’s Flu Surveillance Report.

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