Flu Peaks Early In Illinois, 344 Patients In ICU In 2017

Flu season is peaking early in Illinois, with 135 more influenza outbreaks statewide compared with a year ago. Statewide, there were 344 patients admitted to intensive care units with flu-related illness between the start of 2017 and New Year's Eve, the Chicago Tribune reported. Last year, flu season peaked in February, an Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman said.

Last week, Maywood's Loyola Medicine said it had seen record-breaking numbers of patients with the flu, with 179 confirmed cases — the most the hospital had seen in four years.

The increased number of flu cases have prompted hospitals to restrict child visitors and visitors with flu-like symptoms. On Tuesday, the City of Evanston Health & Human Services Department was reporting a sharp increase in flu cases in Cook County and encouraged residents to get a flu shot.

1 Child Death, Rampant Flu Reported In Illinois

"As long as flu activity is ongoing, it's not too late to get vaccinated, even in January or later," officials said. "Even those who've already gotten sick with flu this season are advised to get the flu vaccine." Residents can use vaccinefinder.com to find a place to get a flu shot.

One flu-related death has been reported in Illinois in the past two weeks, according to the Tribune.

Other states have been hit harder. In California, 27 people under age 65 have died, including a 7-year-old boy whose siblings were also believed to have the flu.

Flu was widespread in 46 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, up from 36 states a week ago.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists healthy habits to undertake to try and prevent the flu. Those include:

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Symptoms of flu include:

• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

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