Flu on the Rise for Thanksgiving

Flu season is gaining strength and reach in suburban Cook County as Thanksgiving nears.

The Cook County Department of Public Healthwarns of a 32 percent increase in the number of people seeking care for flu or flu-like symptoms in the last week.

School absences have also multiplied, in relation to cases of the influenza-like illness.

The department recommends that anyone six months of age or older get a flu shot—and stay home for 24 hours after the fever is gone to curb the spread of the illness.

This year’s flu vaccine will protect against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during this season: influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus and influenza B virus.

Not sure which locations offer a flu shot? Check the county’s flu shot finder for a list.