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Chicago, IL – Health officials across Chicago and Cook County are urging residents to get vaccinated against influenza as flu cases continue to rise sharply following the holiday season, with hospitals reporting an increase in emergency room visits and admissions, particularly among children.
According to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), influenza-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations have increased from moderate to high levels across all age groups. The most significant impact has been seen among children from newborns through age 17.
Dr. Emily Landon, executive medical director of infection prevention and control at University of Chicago Medicine, said flu activity has been climbing steadily for weeks and is now exceeding typical seasonal levels.
How This Season Compares Historically
Public health officials say the current flu season is shaping up to be more severe than an average year. While flu activity typically peaks between late January and February, this season’s surge began earlier and has risen more sharply than expected. According to local health officials, current emergency department visits and hospitalizations are already exceeding levels typically seen at this point in the season, raising concerns that the peak may be both higher and longer-lasting than usual.
“We’ve been seeing a consistent rise for about a month, with an expected bump after Thanksgiving,” Landon said. “We anticipate another surge following Christmas gatherings. At this point, flu cases are higher than what we normally see during this time of year.”
Influenza A Driving the Surge
Health officials report that approximately 95% of positive flu tests are linked to influenza A, primarily the H3N2 strain, which is known to cause more severe illness, particularly in older adults and young children.
CDPH data shows the percentage of positive flu tests nearly doubled in recent weeks, increasing from 9.2% to 17.1%. Similar trends are being reported in suburban Cook County, where flu activity rose from “low” to “high” during the week ending Dec. 20.
Flu Often More Severe Than Expected
Medical professionals continue to caution against underestimating influenza, noting that it can cause serious complications even in otherwise healthy individuals.
“Influenza is not a mild illness,” Landon said. “It can cause significant disease in the elderly and can also severely affect young, healthy people. Flu is genuinely dangerous.”
Patients have reported high fevers, severe sore throats, body aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, with some describing the illness as more severe than prior COVID-19 infections.
Treatment Options Available for Flu Patients
Doctors emphasize that antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of influenza when started early, particularly within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. These treatments are especially important for high-risk individuals, including young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with underlying health conditions. Health officials encourage anyone experiencing severe symptoms or belonging to a high-risk group to seek medical care promptly.
Children Most Affected
Emergency department visits for flu have risen most rapidly among children, particularly those under five years old. Pediatric providers are reporting an increase in cases involving dehydration, breathing difficulties, and prolonged fever.
Health officials urge parents to seek medical attention if children experience persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, or signs of dehydration.
Hospitals Reporting Increased Strain
Area hospitals report higher-than-normal emergency department volumes, with pediatric units seeing the most significant increases. Some hospitals have noted longer wait times and increased admissions related to respiratory illnesses, particularly flu-related complications such as pneumonia and dehydration. Health officials warn that continued increases in flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity could further strain hospital capacity in the weeks ahead.
COVID-19 and RSV are also increasing.
In addition to influenza, CDPH reports continued increases in COVID-19 and RSV activity, with emergency department visits for both illnesses rising most quickly among young children. Officials warn the combined spread of respiratory viruses could further strain hospitals in the coming weeks.
Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health, said the region should prepare for a potentially severe respiratory illness season.
“We are seeing flu spread very widely right now, with steep growth curves,” Joshi said. “Severe flu seasons are more likely when vaccination rates are low.”
Vaccination Rates Remain Below Optimal Levels
Health officials note that flu vaccination rates across Chicago and Cook County remain lower than ideal, particularly among children and working-age adults. Local data shows that fewer than half of residents have received a flu vaccine this season, a trend officials say increases the likelihood of widespread transmission and severe illness. Vaccination coverage among children has also declined compared to pre-pandemic levels, contributing to higher pediatric hospitalization rates.
Vaccination Still Recommended
Doctors stress that it is not too late to get vaccinated, even as flu activity remains high. Vaccination can reduce the severity of illness and lower the risk of hospitalization.
“The most effective way to protect yourself from severe illness is very simple,” Joshi said. “Get both your flu and COVID vaccinations.”
Free Vaccines Available
Children six months and older and adults can receive free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at Cook County Health clinics on select Saturdays through March 28. Locations include:
- Arlington Heights Health Center
- North Riverside Health Center
- Blue Island Health Center
- Cottage Grove Health Center – Ford Heights
- Robbins Health Center
Residents are encouraged to bring an ID and insurance card if available, though vaccines are offered regardless of insurance status.
What’s Next
Public health officials expect flu cases to continue rising into January and possibly February, with activity not expected to level off for several weeks. Residents are advised to stay home when sick, practice good hygiene and boost their immune system, and consider masking in crowded indoor settings to reduce the spread of illness.
References
- Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Cook County Department of Public Health
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- University of Chicago Medicine
- NBC News
Editorial Note
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine.
