A warning from health officials was issued Friday as respiratory illness cases are spiking across the country. The CDC says 35 states, including Illinois, are now reporting at high levels.
Two young children in Chicago have recently died from the flu, officials said.
An increase in cases of COVID, RSV, norovirus and the flu is being referred to as the “winter quad-demic.”
Chances are Chicago-area residents might know someone who has recently been sick. For a man named Michael in Oak Park, it was his wife.
“We think she might have had COVID, but it’s different from what she’s had it in the past,” Michael said. “I know it’s going around.”
I would urge everyone to get a flu vaccine this year if you haven’t already. It does help prevent severe manifestation of influenza.Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, Edward Hospital Medical Director of Infection Control
Others aren’t so sure what exactly their family members were recently sick with.
“The common cold, like a cough, sniffle,” said Oak Park resident Annete Ramirez.
Doctors at Endeavor Health and Loyola Medical Center said they’re seeing a spike in patients coming in with respiratory illnesses.