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Health experts urge vaccinations as respiratory illnesses begin to rise across Chicago area
ABC7 Chicago • • health
Key Points:
- Respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, are beginning to rise in the Chicago area as temperatures cool and children return to school, prompting health experts to urge vaccinations ahead of the fall and winter seasons.
- While flu and COVID-19 activity remains low, other respiratory viruses like rhinovirus and enteroviruses are already circulating, causing symptoms such as cough, congestion, and fever among children.
- The Cook County Department of Public Health reports infection levels consistent with typical end-of-summer trends and has recorded one ICU admission related to influenza in the past week.
- Health officials emphasize the importance of receiving flu and COVID-19 vaccines soon, ideally before virus exposure increases, with free vaccination clinics expected to be available starting in October.
- Additional recommended precautions include mask-wearing, frequent handwashing, and maintaining physical distance when someone in a household is sick to help reduce virus transmission.
