The McDonough County Health Department is seeing an uptick in people getting sick with the flu and upper respiratory viruses, which is typical for this time of year.
Public Health Administrator Chris Adams said people can take preventive measures to avoid spreading viruses.
“Wash your hands. Get your flu vaccine. Get your booster. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t handle food if you’re sick if you’re working in a food facility,” he said.
Adams also said some hospitals and doctors are asking visitors to wear a mask.
He said the local uptick in virus-related illnesses is in line with what is happening nationally and elsewhere in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said on Thursday that the state’s overall respiratory illness level has ticked up from moderate to high, driven by an expected early winter jump in hospital admissions.
The IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard indicates that emergency department visits for Acute Respiratory Illness topped 21% in the week ending Dec. 28, up from 17% the previous week.
During the same period, the number of visits for flu more than doubled to 6.2% from 3% while visits for COVID-19 were at 2%, up from 1.5%.
The dashboard has also recorded four pediatric deaths this season from flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
“It is now more important than ever to use the many tools at our disposal to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a news release.
“The most effective tool remains vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. It is not too late to get your vaccines, as the seasonal respiratory season can extend late into the spring.”
IDPH said the new COVID-19 vaccines and the new flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older and those between 60-74 years who are at risk for serious illness.
The department has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for seasonal illnesses.
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