Increase In McHenry County Hospital ICU Visits For Flu

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Between Jan. 5 and Jan. 11, influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in McHenry County was estimated to be high, according to the county's department of health, as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports widespread activity for flu across the state. McHenry County Department of Health's most recent influenza surveillance report, 2.01 percent of hospital emergency room visits were for influenza-like illness in McHenry County during week 2, up from 1.73 percent during week 1. However, no flu outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities, and no clusters of absences related to increased flu-like illness were reported in schools, the department of health reported.

When it comes to being around others and wanting to be careful if you aren't feeling well, how can you tell if you have the flu or a cold? Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult — or impossible- to tell the difference between the two based on symptoms alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. While special tests that must be done within the first few days of illness can tell if a person has the flu, you can also know the signs and symptoms for each (and see below).

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during most seasons, about 80 percent of children who die are not vaccinated.

The agency cited a study that says the vaccine reduces the risk of death among healthy children by 65 percent and among children with a high-risk condition by 50 percent.

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It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection against the flu. You can find more information about the flu vaccine and its benefits here.

You can use the CDC's flu vaccine finder to locate a pharmacy or clinic near you that provides the vaccine.

According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu include:

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

More information and updates: mchenrycountyil.gov