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Illinois health officials report uptick in flu cases, hospital visits

Spike in flu cases in Illinois is a particular concern for parents
Spike in flu cases in Illinois is a particular concern for parents 02:23

CHICAGO (CBS) — After a one-week dip, Illinois health officials are reporting an uptick in respiratory illnesses which is being driven by flu cases.

According to the Illinois Department of Health, the "flu is circulating more widely" as COVID-19 and RSV cases decline in the state.

Health officials said there were three times as many hospital admissions for flu as there were for other respiratory illnesses during the week ending on January 25. IDPH data shows 7.8% of emergency department visits for the flu, 1.6% of visits for COVID-19, and 0.7% of visits for RSV.

In lab testing in Illinois, a total of 24.5% are coming back positive, compared with 6% for COVID and 5.5% for RSV.

The flu is also dominating ICU admissions in Illinois.

The state reported high respiratory illness activity in late December before cases dropped to "moderate" in January. After a week, respiratory activity moved to "high" again due to increasing flu cases.

"That it's reflective of what's going on everywhere in the city and the state and nation is that we have more cases of flu at Rush," said Dr. David Nguyen, an assistant professor at Rush University Medical Center specializing in infectious diseases.

IDPH said "respiratory illness" in their data includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases. However, the flu is driving the latest cases reported. 

"Flu continues to circulate widely across Illinois," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "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.  If you do develop flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and seek treatment right away.  Antiviral medication is most effective if initiated less than 48 hours after your symptoms begin."

Warnings about the spike in flu cases are especially important for parents. Nguyen warns if not treated, the flu can become serious even to children with no preconditions.

The State of Illinois reports five pediatric deaths so far this season.

"There are kids that certainly can die from severe flu that just have no other, just like there are adults with no other medical history may die from the flu," said Nguyen.

State of Illinois and Cook County health leaders are encouraging parents and their children to get the flu shot. Dr. Nguyen said the vaccine can keep people from having to rush to the ER.

"We need people to be protected and protect, and babies can't get the flu vaccine until they're 1 year old," Nguyen said. "So, you know, we need to protect those people, those babies, by protecting ourselves and getting the shot."

Dr. Nguyen points out that flu symptoms can be confused with those of the common cold — but patients must be in tune when symptoms can last for days.

"If the fever is not going away after five-ish days to a week, get medical attention, if it seems like they're having trouble breathing, if they can't keep any fluids down — things like that, you know — those are the reasons to bring your child to get medical attention," he said.

Health officials are reminding Illinois residents it is not too late to get vaccinated. You can find vaccine information here. 

Free flu vaccination clinics are popping up across Cook County. A list of where free shots are available is beow.

Clinic

Clinic location

Dates of vaccination clinics

Blue Island Health Center

12757 S. Western Ave., Blue Island

Feb. 1, March 1

Cottage Grove Health Center    

1645 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Ford Heights    

Feb. 8, March 8

Robbins Health Center

13450 Kedzie Ave., Robbins

Feb. 15, March 15

Arlington Heights Health Center

3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 300, Arlington Heights

Feb. 22, March 22

Anyone with flu-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, or cough, should consider early testing and treatment. IDPH recommends avoiding the spread of germs by self-isolating or wearing a mask. 

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