COVID-19 Cases On The Rise In McHenry County

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — There's been an increase in COVID-19 cases in the past several weeks, health officials said Thursday.

With the influx in cases, local health officials are reminding residents to "practice preventive strategies for all respiratory illnesses." Steps residents can take to lower their chances of contracting RSV, flu or COVID-19 include: getting vaccinated when vaccines are available and practicing good hand hygiene.

Anyone who develops signs and/or symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, body aches and/or headache, should stay home and away from others until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, according to a news release from the McHenry County Department of Health.

The majority of the population will experience mild to moderate symptoms and can recover at home with rest, fluids and the use of over-the-counter medication for symptom relief, health officials said.

For those whose symptoms do not improve, or have underlying health conditions, should talk with their doctor since they are most at risk for more serious illness and should be aware of which antiviral treatments are available for them.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information on respiratory viruses. You can also call MCDH at 815-334-4500 and ask to speak to a communicable disease nurse.