Flu Surge in Illinois Raises Health Concerns
Illinois is facing a renewed surge in flu activity, pushing respiratory illness levels back to high after a brief dip earlier this month. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported a significant increase in emergency department visits and hospital admissions for influenza during the week ending January 25th.
Chicago, in particular, saw an escalation in flu activity, moving from high to very high during the same period, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Statewide hospital admissions due to flu rose to 4.6%, surpassing last season’s peak of 3.3%.Emergency department visits attributed to the flu reached 7.8%, up from a peak of 5% last season, while 24.5% of flu tests during the week came back positive. Tragically, five children in Illinois have died of the flu this season.
"Flu continues to circulate widely across Illinois," said Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the IDPH, in a recent news release. "I recommend that all those over 65, very young children, individuals with chronic disease, and those who are immunocompromised, use all the tools at their disposal to prevent exposure.”
Health officials emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines take about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, and antiviral medications are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
While flu activity surges, RSV appears to be on the decline. Statewide hospital admissions due to RSV fell slightly for the week ending January 25th. The Chicago Department of Public Health noted that emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV "continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season." Although most people with RSV experience mild, cold-like symptoms, babies and older adults are at higher risk for severe cases.
Illinois’ overall respiratory illness level has fluctuated in recent weeks, moving from moderate to high in late December, dipping back to moderate in January, and then returning to high for the week ending January 25. During that week, COVID-19 hospital admissions fell slightly statewide, though COVID-19 activity in Chicago increased from low to moderate.
Key Data at a Glance
- Metric | Week Ending Jan. 25 | Comparison to Last Season |
- —————– | —————— | ———————–
- Hospital Admissions (Flu) | 4.6% | Up from 3.3% peak
- Emergency Visits (Flu) | 7.8% | Up from 5% peak
- Positive Flu tests | 24.5% | N/A
- RSV Hospital Admissions | Slight decrease | Likely past peak
- COVID-19 admissions (statewide) | Slight decrease | N/A
As flu season continues to impact Illinois, health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take preventative measures to protect themselves and their communities.
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