Health officials in Illinois warn of a rise in respiratory illnesses, urging residents to take precautions as the holidays approach. Hospital admissions and emergency department visits related to COVID-19, flu, and RSV have increased.
Health officials warned that rates of respiratory illness are on the rise in Illinois in recent weeks as the holidays approach.The Illinois Department of Public Health said the state’s overall level of illness rose from 'low' to 'moderate,' meaning that residents face a higher chance of being exposed to illnesses as families gather.Data collected by the IDPH indicate that hospital admissions for COVID-19 , flu and RSV all ticked up as a percent of all hospital admissions in the week ending Dec.
14.The percentage of emergency department visits due to respiratory illness also increased from 13.8% in the previous week to 14.7%.Illinois is also seeing a rise in ICU admissions due to RSV driven by children age 0 to 4. 'As we gather with our loved ones during the holiday season, please use all the tools at your disposal to protect friends and family who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes,' said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement. 'This includes those who are over 65, very young children and people who are immunosuppressed.'Vohra added that the best protection against severe illness caused by COVID-19, flu, and RSV are highly effective vaccines that are widely available. Other effective tools include enhanced ventilation and good hand hygiene.Those with concerning respiratory symptoms should seek medical care, Vohra said
Respiratory Illnesses Holidays COVID-19 Flu RSV
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