According to the McDonough County Health Department (MCHD), flu, RSV and COVID illnesses in McDonough County and throughout the state are beginning to rise so now is the time to protect yourself and your community from the spread of seasonal respiratory illnesses.
'We're encouraging residents to stay up-to-date with all vaccines, as recommended by CDC and their healthcare provider, practice good hand hygiene and cover their coughs and sneezes,' said Niki Duffy, McDonough County Health Department emergency response coordinator and public information officer. 'And if you're sick, stay home, and if others around who are ill, try to keep at a distance. If you do get sick, seek testing and possible treatment as recommended by your health care provider. If you do have to go out or be around others, wearing a mask while you are experiencing symptoms will help prevent the spread of your illness.'
IDPH's Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard shows that the risk for respiratory ailments is currently low, that can – and will – change as the fall and winter months continue, Duffy noted. Emergency room visits for acute respiratory illnesses topped 21 percent in final week of 2024.
During the same period, the number of emergency visits for flu more than doubled and COVID-19 cases remained prevalent.
'Getting preventative vaccines such as flu shots, COVID boosters and RSV and pneumonia boosters for those who qualify help combat the spread of respiratory illnesses, and if you contract an illness, it can lessen the severity,' she added. 'If you feel any symptoms of respiratory illness, like a fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough, please consider getting tested and treated early on, especially if you're at risk for serious illness or spreading it to someone who is at risk of serious illness. What is mild illness for you could end up in a serious illness for someone else.'
Treatments for Influenza A & B and COVID-19 are most effective when they are given early in the course of the illness, Duffy explained. To remain as healthy as possible during peak flu season, keep up with regular health appointments, testing, screening and vaccinations. Eat healthy. Get enough sleep each night. Move more and sit less. Limit your alcohol intake and don't smoke vape or use other tobacco products. Making healthier choices every day will help your body respond better when it faces challenges like respiratory virus season.
Most area pharmacies, health departments, including the McDonough County Health Department, and doctors' offices offer a variety of preventative vaccines. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health vaccination guidelines, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all children six months through 23 months, children two-17 who have an underlying risk factor, a weakened immune system or who have previously not been vaccinated against COVID19, pregnant women and adults 18 years of age and older. Flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months of age (dph. illinois.gov/resource-center/ news/2025/september/ release-20250923.html).
To make an appointment for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the McDonough County Health Department, call 837-9951 ext. 2270 Monday thru Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older and those between 60-74 years who are at risk for serious illness. Women in the late stages of pregnancy are advised to get the RSV vaccine designed to protect newborns, and eligible newborns whose mothers did not receive the RSV vaccine should receive the vaccine between October and March. With Whooping Cough (Pertussis) also being present in the state, Duffy added it is important to be up-todate with that vaccination. Whooping Cough is very contagious and extremely dangerous for young babies and children and elderly or immunocompromised individuals. Adults should receive a Tdap vaccination every 10 years.
