Flu Hospitalizations In Chicago Hit 3-Year High
Block Club Chicago••general
Key Points:
- Flu-related hospital visits in Chicago have reached their highest levels in over three years, with a positivity rate of just over 24 percent and emergency room visits spiking to very high levels.
- The increase is driven by a new flu variant called “subclade K,” affecting all age groups but most notably children 17 years and younger.
- Nationwide, the flu season has resulted in at least 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths, including eight children, according to the CDC.
- Health officials emphasize vaccination as the best protection against severe illness, with free vaccines available at pharmacies and city clinics, and recommend basic hygiene practices to reduce flu spread.
- Currently, RSV activity is moderate and COVID-19
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