5 Pediatric Flu Deaths In IL This Season As Respiratory Viruses Surge

ILLINOIS — The respiratory illness level in Illinois has ticked up from moderate to high amid spiking emergency room visits and hospital admissions for flu, according to state authorities, who have recorded nine pediatric deaths so far this season from various respiratory viruses.

While the coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus were declining for the week ending Jan. 25, the flu was circulating more widely, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, with three times as many hospital admissions for flu as for the coronavirus.

As of Monday, the department had recorded five pediatric flu deaths this season as well as three pediatric deaths from RSV and one from the coronavirus and RSV.

READ MORE: Child Dies From RSV In McHenry County

“These deaths are a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations for children and of the risk of serious illness from these largely preventable seasonal illnesses,” the department said in a news release.

Those who are unvaccinated can get their shots now and be protected through the duration of cold and flu season, according to the department.

The state’s overall respiratory activity level as calculated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was high in late December but dipped to moderate for one week in January before going back up to high, according to the department.

“Flu continues to circulate widely across Illinois,” public health department Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in the news release.

“I recommend that all those over 65, very young children, individuals with chronic disease, and those who are immunocompromised, use all the tools at their disposal to prevent exposure. If you do develop flu-like symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and seek treatment right away. Antiviral medication is most effective if initiated less than 48 hours after your symptoms begin.”