CHICAGO — The weather turned cold and flu season has arrived.
Chicago has seen a spike in respiratory illness cases over the past month, according to data kept by the Chicago Department of Public Health.
“Respiratory virus season is in full swing.” Local hospitals have elevated masking requirements for the seasonal spike in cases.
While COVID-19 is not as common as the flu and RSV at the moment, it’s unclear when those cases may spike, too, Lin said.
“It’s not behaving yet like a classic respiratory virus.” Much is still unknown about the long-term effects of COVID-19, Lin said.
CHICAGO — The flu season has arrived as the weather has heated up.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has reported that during the past month, the number of respiratory illness cases in Chicago has increased.
According to the data as of Friday, 18.3 percent of Chicagoans who tested positive for flu-like symptoms also tested positive for influenza, 14.1 percent for respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, and 4.9 percent for COVID-19.
“RSV and flu are both very high in Chicago at the moment, and COVID levels are rising as well,” said Jacob Martin, a spokesman for the city’s health department. “The respiratory virus season has begun.”. “.”.
High masking requirements are in place at local hospitals due to the seasonal increase in cases. by December. 23 An internal memo from the University of Chicago Medicine states that all employees must wear masks in patient areas.
Little Company of Mary Medical Center, 2800 W, is part of OSF Healthcare. 95th Street. is temporarily restricting hospital and hospice visitors to two adults per patient at a time, “with exceptions for special circumstances,” according to a statement released by the organization’s spokesperson, Colleen Reynolds.
According to Rush Medical Center professor and infectious disease specialist Michael Lin, the “deep upslope” in cases is normal for this season.
“Winter is a time when respiratory viruses tend to increase, mainly because people are spending more time indoors and may be spreading viruses,” Lin said.
According to Lin, if you haven’t already, it’s still possible to get a flu shot or an updated COVID-19 booster. Vaccines that protect people through the winter months are introduced in the fall.
For adults 75 years of age and older, as well as those with a higher risk between the ages of 60 and 74, the CDC recommends RSV vaccinations. Given their increased vulnerability to severe RSV, infants can receive an RSV antibody postpartum or a maternal vaccine during pregnancy.
According to Lin, the golden rule is to stay at home if you’re feeling ill.
Lin stated that “attending events while slightly ill can cause a lot of spread.”. “Keep your sick child away from other kids.”. Take the practical route. “”.
For people with underlying conditions that may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, Lin advises masking in crowded areas. Masking is “really a personal preference after that” for other people, according to Lin.
According to Lin, the availability of at-home testing kits for respiratory conditions is growing.
According to Lin, although COVID-19 is currently less prevalent than the flu and RSV, it’s unclear when those cases might increase as well.
It’s starting to become a common respiratory virus, but it hasn’t yet established a seasonal pattern. Since there was a spike in COVID-19 last summer, Lin stated, “It’s harder to predict when it’s going to strike.”. As of yet, it is not acting like a typical respiratory virus. “”.
According to Lin, there is still much to learn about COVID-19’s long-term impacts.
By late April or early May, the peak season for respiratory illnesses typically ends, according to Lin.
