Hospitals Report Increase In Flu Cases In Illinois

CHICAGO (AP) — Flu season is underway, and while there are fewer Illinoisans reported sick than at this time last year, cases are increasing.

A Chicago Department of Public Health report released Friday says the city's hospitals are reporting increasing percentages of patients coming to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms.

Last week was the seventh straight week Chicago hospitals reported an increase in flu-like symptoms seen by ER doctors.

Statewide, hospital admissions are rising. So far this season, there have been 61 flu admissions to hospital intensive care units.

Three people have died.

This season's flu shot protects against H1N1, the most prevalent strain being seen this season.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 6 in 10 Americans hadn't received a flu shot by early November.