Respiratory Illness on the Rise Statewide

(Undated) — Respiratory illnesses are on the rise statewide. According to data from the IDPH, the respiratory illness level increased from Moderate to High in the past week and more than half the counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations. Flu activity is also surging to match the pre-COVID-19 2019-2020 season. The Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding the public to stay up-to-date on all respiratory illness vaccines and to stay home and seek treatment if you are sick. Officials say vaccinations are down this year, and that the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus spreads more easily, but there is no evidence it’s more severe than past variants.