Respiratory illnesses soaring in Illinois amid low vaccination rates

SPRINGFIELD (25News Now) – The Illinois Department of Public Health on Monday urged the public to get flu shots and take other preventative measures as flu activity has reached “very high” levels in the state and COVID-19 rates have risen as well.

Illinois is also reporting its first influenza death in a child this season, one of nine influenza-related pediatric deaths nationwide.

The “Very High” classification of flu activity is the most severe of five categories describing respiratory illnesses, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 in the state has risen to “Moderate” levels.

IDPH’s Illinois Vaccination Coverage Dashboards show 21.9% of Illinoisans have received flu shots this season, while 6.8% have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Information about local vaccine availability can be found on the state’s vaccine locator dashboard.

Illinois is facing a “significant winter surge” in seasonal respiratory illnesses, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a release.

“Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Vohra.

“Simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick if you are able, and improving ventilation are also critical to preventing further spread. If you develop symptoms, it is important to get evaluated and treated early in your illness, especially if you are 65 years or older, are a young child under the age of two years, are pregnant, have chronic conditions, or care for someone at risk,” Vohra said. “IDPH is monitoring the situation closely and working with our partners in public health and healthcare to protect Illinois families across the state.”

IDPH lists the following recommendations to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading respiratory illnesses.

Get immunized — With flu season usually peaking between December and February, and lasting until May, it’s not too late to get your flu shot and other immunizations, such as for COVID-19 and RSV (for those who are eligible). For more information on respiratory illness vaccines, view IDPH’s immunization guidelines.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water — it is one of the most effective ways to reduce spread of illness. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if soap and water are not available.
Stay home when you are ill, if able, and wear a mask if not.
Cover coughs and sneezes — Wearing a mask when ill will further help prevent viral spread. An N95 or comparable mask offers the best protection.
Minimize close contact with sick people.
Antiviral treatments — these can minimize symptoms and speed up recovery when started quickly after symptoms emerge. Antiviral treatments for flu are most effective when given within 48 hours of starting to feel ill. For COVID-19, treatment must be started within five to seven days after symptoms appear. Older adults, young children and those who are pregnant or have certain underlying conditions are at risk for complications and should contact a healthcare provider to be assessed for the need for treatment as soon as possible.

Those seeking more information from IDPH about infectious respiratory diseases can click here.

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