According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), flu activity in Illinois is 'very high' and the strain of flu currently circulating is causing more severe symptoms than typically experienced.
According to the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard (tinyurl.com/ IDPHFluDash), hospital admissions due to flu, RSV and COVID-19 are increasing, with nearly 20 percent of emergency department visits and admissions due to acute respiratory illness across Illinois. As the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continue to share updates about respiratory illness in Illinois reaching high levels, the McDonough County Health Department reminds residents to take precautions to avoid getting sick.
'We're encouraging our residents to stay up-to-date with vaccines, practice good hand hygiene and cover their coughs and sneezes,' said Niki Duffy, McDonough County Health Department emergency response coordinator and public information officer. 'If you're sick or feel unwell, stay home, and if you happen to be around others who are ill, try to keep at a distance. If you feel any symptoms of respiratory illness, like a fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough, please get 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 case for you could end up in a serious illness for someone else.'
Duffy pointed out that 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 the illness is contracted, a vaccine can lessen the severity. Treatments for Influenza A & B and COVID-19 are most effective when they are given early in the course of the illness, she added explained.
To remain as healthy as possible during peak flu season, Duffy offers the following tips:
• Keep up with regular health appointments, testing, screening and vaccinations.
• Eat healthy.
• Get enough sleep each night.
• Move more and sit less.
• Limit 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,' she said.
Additionally, although it is not an illness included in the Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, Duffy shared that whooping cough (pertussis) continues to circulate with recent reports from IDPH and CDC showing more than 25,000 cases in the U.S. There have been recent confirmed cases of whooping cough in McDonough County and surrounding areas.
'Immunization continues to be one of the best ways to protect yourself against seasonal illness. The McDonough County Health Department is continuing to offer flu shots and it is not too late to get protected against flu this season,' Duffy shared. 'We can help make sure that you are up-to-date with your vaccines and help protect your health. Call our office at (309) 837-9951 ext. 2270 for more information or to schedule and immunization appointment.'
