Respiratory Virus Surge Hits Illinois Ahead of Holidays

Health officials in Illinois have issued a warning about the increasing number of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, in the state ahead of the holiday season. Hospitalizations for these viruses have been rising, with 44 counties in Illinois reporting elevated levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Concerns have been raised about pediatric ICU capacity, which is already limited in some areas. The Illinois Department of Public Health has launched a new infectious respiratory surveillance dashboard to monitor hospital visits and trends. Officials are urging people to get vaccinated and follow preventive measures such as masking, hand hygiene, and proper ventilation.