Flu Cases Surging, Respiratory Illness 'Very High' In Illinois

Illinois has moved from a "moderate" CDC respiratory illness level to "high." Data is from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27.

Flu activity is high or very high in 48 states and jurisdictions, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At least 11 million people have gotten sick, and 5,000 people have died from the flu this season as vaccination rates wane. At least nine of those who died were children.

The CDC said the current influenza wave is expected to last several weeks. The agency also noted that RSV activity is elevated in many areas of the country, with emergency room visits and hospitalizations increasing in children under 4. COVID-19 activity is low but increasing nationally.

Hospital admissions from respiratory illnesses in Illinois continue to trend upward. According to IDPH, hospital admissions for COVID-19 are at 1.64 percent, 5.17 percent from flu and .48 percent from RSV.

Flu admissions saw the biggest increase; admissions were at 2.3 percent on Dec. 20 and increased to 5.17 percent on Dec. 27, according to IDPH.

The previous season's peak hospital admissions due to flu was 6.9 percent on Feb. 8, 2025. IDPH data shows COVID-19 activity as "moderate," RSV activity as "low," and flu activity as "very high."

On Monday, IDPH announced the first pediatric death of the 2025-26 season due to influenza. Nationally, there have been nine pediatric deaths due to influenza this season. During the 2024-2025 season, Illinois reported 12 pediatric deaths from influenza, 6 from RSV and 3 from COVID. This season, there have been three deaths total from influenza, along with 35 from pneumonia, and three from COVID-19, in the state.

"Illinois is facing a significant winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses, with flu activity at very high levels," IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. "Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick if you are able, and improving ventilation are also critical to preventing further spread."

According to IDPH's Illinois Vaccination Coverage Dashboards, 21.9 percent of Illinoisans have received their flu shot this season, while only 6.8 percent have received COVID-19 immunization.

"IDPH is monitoring the situation closely and working with our partners in public health and healthcare to protect Illinois families across the state," Vohra said.

While anyone can potentially become seriously ill from seasonal respiratory illnesses, the most susceptible are the very young, very old, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised or have other underlying health conditions.

IDPH advises washing your hands often; covering coughs and sneezes; staying home if you're sick; consider wearing a mask, especially in crowded, indoor spaces; and getting your annual flu and COVID-19 shots.