Health
Flu Activity Increases in Chicago, Suburban Cook County During Holiday Season: Health Officials
Colorized transmission electron micrograph of influenza A/H3N2 virus particles, isolated from a patient sample and then propagated in cell culture. (Courtesy of NIAID)
The Chicago area saw notable increases in flu activity heading into and during the holiday season, according to the latest respiratory illness data from local public health departments.
Flu activity in suburban Cook County jumped from “low” to “high” during the week ending in Dec. 20, according to the county’s public health department. Chicago’s public health department reported late last week “high” levels of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for flu.
The overall respiratory illness activity level in Chicago increased from “low” to “moderate,” according to a Chicago Department of Public Health respiratory illness surveillance summary on Friday.
RSV and COVID-19 activity have also continued to increase, with emergency department visits for both illnesses increasing most rapidly among children younger than 5, according to CDPH.
Emergency department visits and hospitalizations from influenza increased from “moderate” to “high” in Chicago across all age categories, but also most notably among children, according to the city’s public health department. Similar flu trends are being seen in suburban Cook County.
“We need to prepare for a possible severe flu season and for increased risk of COVID hospitalizations as compared to last year,” Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, said during a Dec. 17 news conference. “The most effective way to protect yourself from severe illness is very simple: Get both your flu and COVID vaccinations.”
Joshi also reported seeing a rise in norovirus, a stomach bug that can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Seasonal flu activity is also increasing across the country, with many of the cases being tied to a mutated influenza A, H3N2 strain “subclade K,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The new strain, which differs from the strain in this year’s flu shots, has led some health experts to signal a tough flu season this year.
The CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu in the U.S. so far this season. High flu activity was reported earlier this month in Colorado, Louisiana, New Jersey and New York.
Public health departments are asking residents to take proper precautions to prevent illness. That includes getting vaccinated; practicing good hygiene such as covering your cough and washing your hands; staying home and away from others when sick; and wearing a mask.
Chicago residents can receive the latest flu and COVID-19 shots at no cost through CDPH’s immunization clinics. Suburban Cook County residents can also receive free vaccinations at vaccination clinics on rotating Saturdays at five Cook County Health sites.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
