Illinois is grappling with its worst flu season in more than 15 years, as flu cases surge to levels not seen since the 2009-10 season. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), at least 100 people have died from the flu statewide so far this season, with 77 of those deaths occurring in just the past month. Children and the elderly have been hit hardest, with three pediatric fatalities reported.
Flu activity in Illinois has reached the “very high” category—the most severe level of respiratory illness tracked by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For the week of January 11th to 17th, an average of 3% of all emergency department visits and 2.1% of hospital admissions in the state were due to the flu. Of the 2,963 lab tests conducted, 16.9% returned positive results. There were also 414 ICU admissions attributed to flu complications during the same period.
IDPH notes that flu outbreaks are particularly severe in the Metro East area and northern Illinois. The peak of flu season typically falls between early and mid-February, suggesting case numbers may continue to climb.
Nationwide, the CDC reports that at least 230,000 people have been hospitalized due to the flu this season, with cases continuing to rise.
Public health officials are urging residents—especially children, seniors, and those in high-risk areas—to take extra precautions as the flu season intensifies.