Illinois Sees Welcome Decline in
Seasonal Respiratory Viruses in Latest Data
Some Counties Continue to See Elevated
Levels of COVID-19 and Respiratory Viruses; Those with Symptoms
Urged to Stay Home and Seek Treatment
Send a link to a friend
[February 02, 2024]
The
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that the
latest data continues to show the spread of respiratory viruses is
declining across the state. The state’s overall respiratory illness
level decreased from Low to Minimal in the most recent available CDC
data and the state is also now at Low level for COVID-19
hospitalizations on the CDC COVID Data Tracker as of January 27. In
addition, the number of counties at Medium level for COVID-19
hospitalizations - which means between 10 and 20 hospitalizations
per 100,000 of population in the last week – is at 10 in the most
recent week, down from 11 the previous week. No counties are at High
level - meaning more than 20 hospitalizations per 100,000 in the
last week – down from six the previous week.
While respiratory illness activity is decreasing, IDPH reminds the
public that respiratory virus season can last into the spring and
additional increases in illness rates are still possible.
“I am very encouraged to see continued decreases in respiratory
illness activity throughout Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer
Vohra. “While cases are declining, 10 counties are at Medium level
for COVID-19 hospitalizations. IDPH will remain vigilant as we near
the end of the winter respiratory season. We encourage residents,
especially those most vulnerable to severe health outcomes from
COVID-19, flu, and RSV to use the tools at their disposal to stay
safe.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Feb/03/images/ads/current/businessdirectory_dailycover_2023.png)
If people do develop symptoms of a respiratory
illness – including coughing, sneezing, sore throat, a runny nose or
fever – IDPH recommends staying home and away from others to avoid
spreading illness. If you need to seek medical care, you should wear
a mask to limit the risk to others – or try to schedule a telehealth
appointment. In addition, public health experts urge anyone who has
been recently exposed to COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses to
wear a mask when in crowded areas, and if visiting someone at high
risk for severe disease. For more on when and where to use a mask,
click HERE.
IDPH launched a new awareness campaign this fall called ’Tis the
Sneezin’ to remind Illinoisans that vaccinations provide the best
protection against the triple threat of COVID-19, flu and RSV.
[to top of second column] |
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/May/02/images/ads/current/guzzardo_lda022609.png)
RSV season is now winding down in
Illinois therefore the use of the RSV vaccine in pregnancy is no
longer warranted. However, the shots that can be used to provide
infants and young children protective immunity to RSV will
continue to be available until the end of the season, and older
adults can continue to get their RSV vaccine even after the
season is declared over.
To help keep the public informed about conditions around the
state, IDPH recently launched an Infectious Respiratory Disease
Surveillance Dashboard that will be updated weekly on Fridays.
This report provides the public the latest data on hospital
visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic
data.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Feb/03/images/ads/current/castlemanor_sda_FINANCIAL_2017.png)
Every household in the U.S. is eligible to receive
four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website. IDPH has also
made available a single swab triple-test for Flu/RSV and COVID-19,
at no cost, to high risk congregate care settings and local health
departments.
For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC launched the
Bridge Access Program last year that covers the cost of COVID-19
vaccines. The Vaccines for Children Program covers all ACIP
recommended vaccines for eligible children, including nirsevimab for
RSV protection.
For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans who experience symptoms can
access no cost-share telehealth services through the SIU School of
Medicine COVID Test to Treat services or call (217) 545-5100. An
additional option is the NIH Test to Treat line or call
1-800-682-2829 to get access to no-cost care.
The federal government has established a website that provides an
all-purpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks,
treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the
country at: https://www.covid.gov/.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information]
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2023/Nov/22/images/ads/current/llc_sda_BASKETBALL_2023.png)
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2024/Feb/03/images/ads/current/charrons_bch_2022.png) |