OSF sees record-high visits, IDPH reports surge in respiratory illnesses

PEORIA (25News Now) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting surges in respiratory illnesses, which has led to overwhelmed hospitals.

Statewide, IDPH said nearly 20% of emergency department visits were for acute respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.

As a result, IDPH reported nine deaths.

OSF HealthCare Chief Nursing Officer Sarah Overton said over the past few weeks, a record-high volume of patients have visited its emergency rooms, hospitals, and urgent care facilities.

Overton said OSF has given a couple of thousand fewer vaccines than they did around this time last year because fewer people are requesting them.

Both OSF and Carle Health are asking the public to limit trips to their hospitals and to wear masks when inside their facilities.

Overton said telehealth options are also available to avoid waiting hours.

“A good first step is to try to decide if you need to come, and that way you can have a provider or a physician talk you through that process,” Overton said. “Just make sure you use the emergency services appropriately and seek care on the ambulatory side first if you can.”

Vaccines for the flu and RSV are still available.

Below is a list of best practices the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend:

All visitors, patients, and staff wear a mask upon entering a healthcare facility.
Visitors should be at least 18 years of age and older. This will minimize patient exposure to children, who are known to be at high risk for transmission of viral infections, and will also help protect children from contracting an illness while visiting the hospital.
Limit of two visitors per patient.
Individuals who are not feeling well or have had flu-like symptoms in the past seven days should not visit hospitalized patients. Flu-like symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, cough, and/or sore throat.
When entering and leaving a patient’s room, everyone should wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand foam/gel. Washing helps limit the spread of disease.
People should cough or sneeze into their arms, shoulders, or tissues (not hands) to reduce the spread of germs that can be passed from hands touching surfaces or people.

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