Big Jump In Flu Cases In Illinois, Nationally

ILLINOIS — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday reported a dramatic spike in flu cases during the last week of December. Government health officials say 2019 total flu cases through Dec. 28 led to at least 6.4 million illnesses, 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths.

For comparison, the CDC reported a total of 4.6 million illnesses, 39,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths in its weekly report ending Dec. 21.

So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says most illnesses are the result of the influenza B/Victoria viruses, which the agency said varies by region and age group.

The latest data from the agency shows that the virus has been widespread or striking regionally in 45 states, including Illinois.

The geographic spread of flu activity does not measure the severity of the virus, but seasonal influenza activity throughout the nation has now been elevated for seven weeks in a row.

The CDC's surveillance of influenza-like-illness measures the level of flu activity within a state. According to the latest data, flu activity is high in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, New York City and 34 states, including Illinois.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there were 26 people were admitted to intensive care units due to flu-like illness, including one toddler, 8 adults between the ages of 50 and 64 and 12 adults over age 65.

No pediatric flu deaths have been reported in Illinois this flu season.

The groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with flu will have a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.