Illinois has high levels of flu, COVID-19, RSV, health officials say

Respiratory illnesses surge across Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the state is experiencing high levels of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 which spiked up from moderate levels last week.

More people around Illinois are getting sick with respiratory illness.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the state is recording high levels of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19, which was an increase from moderate levels the previous week.

Statewide, visits to the emergency room for acute respiratory illness were also increasing. About 20% of emergency department visits during the week between Dec. 29 and Jan. 4 were due to acute respiratory illness.

Though officials said the surge is typical for this time of year, the nation has seen a rise in norovirus outbreaks, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Norovirus cases are surging. Dr. Mike shares how to protect yourself

New data form the CDC shows norovirus cases are surging across the U.S. along with RSV, COVID and the flu.

How to stay healthy

The IDPH has tips on how to reduce your exposure to disease including:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water - it is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness.Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Minimize close contact with sick people.
• Get immunized.A number of infectious respiratory diseases, such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough, are vaccine-preventable.
• A number of infectious respiratory diseases, such as flu, measles, mumps, rubella and whooping cough, are vaccine-preventable.
• Stay home when you are ill.
• When you are ill, allow a few feet of distance from others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or tissue but not your hand.
• When you are ill, you may also wear a surgical-type mask when around others.

For more information and resources, visit dph.illinois.gov.