Flu Hospitalizations Surge in Chicago
CHICAGO — Flu-related hospitalizations are climbing, reaching their highest numbers in over three years, as health officials emphasize that there’s still an opportunity to get vaccinated.
The positivity rate for flu tests has exceeded 24 percent, with emergency room visits categorized as “very high,” based on the latest data from the Chicago Department of Public Health.
This spike marks the highest figures since 2022. While all age groups are experiencing a rise, the most significant increase is noted among children aged 17 and under, according to health officials.
A new variant of the flu, labeled as “subclade K,” appears to be the main driver of these outbreaks across the globe.
In the broader United States, there have been at least 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths attributed to the flu this season, including eight pediatric fatalities, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The city’s health department commented, “The respiratory season is upon us. Vaccines are the most effective way to safeguard yourself and those around you from severe illness.”
Many pharmacies and city immunization clinics offer free vaccinations, with information on locations and hours available online.
Eileen Manojlovic, a family nurse practitioner at Rush University System for Health, highlighted that maintaining good hygiene is critical in combating the flu.
“Stay healthy—take your medications, hydrate, get vaccinated, avoid contact when feverish, cover coughs, and wash your hands,” Manojlovic advised. “Typically, we observe an uptick in cases following the holidays, when many people gather and dietary habits can be less than ideal.”
Additionally, high levels of stress and insufficient sleep can increase susceptibility to the flu, Manojlovic mentioned.
Rush facilities provide vaccinations at their urgent care locations on Harlem Ave. and Dearborn St.
“It’s not too late for vaccinations,” Manojlovic reassured.
As for other respiratory illnesses, the activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at a “moderate” level, while COVID-19 incidence remains low, according to the city’s health department.
