Steep Rise In RSV, Flu Cases Reported In McHenry Co.

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Health officials in McHenry County are urging residents to take steps to prevent the spread of infectious respiratory diseases amid a rise in RSV, influenza and COVID-19 cases.

“With the weather changing and people heading indoors, one of the best things you can do to protect yourself and your family is to get your flu shot and stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine,” said Susan Karras, McHenry County Department of Health's director for public health and nursing. “Through our infectious disease surveillance, we have identified an unusual increase in RSV and influenza cases than what we typically see at this time, which could indicate we are headed toward a fall and winter with increased levels of respiratory illnesses circulating in our community.”

There's also been an increase in COVID-19 cases, but community levels still remain low.

Symptoms for RSV, the flu and COVID-19 may be similar and some people, especially older children, may experience mild symptoms, while others are at increased risk of severe complications.

Besides receiving a flu and COVID-19 vaccine, additional preventative actions include:

• Practice social distancing
• Stay home when ill
• Wear a mask with the best fit, protection and comfort when recommended
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, school and work especially when someone is ill
• Use good respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow if a tissue is unavailable
• Frequent hand washing

RSV ER Visits On The Rise McHenry County

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common seasonal infection that can infect anyone but can cause serious illness to infants under 6 months of age, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of RSV usually occur within 4 to 6 days of infection and are similar to the common cold, ranging from a persistent cough and wheezing to fever. RSV can spread through direct contact, droplets from a cough or sneeze or on surfaces.

Compared to previous years, the circulation of RSV in McHenry County has been elevated since September, with the percent of emergency department visits for RSV currently more than two times higher than peak RSV activity in the past.

Flu Cases See Steep Increase In Past Week

Influenza season began at the beginning of October, but positive cases of influenza in McHenry County over the past week indicate a dramatic increase that is usually observed when flu activity increases in circulation between late December and early January.

The best way to prevent influenza is by getting vaccinated.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination, so it’s important to get vaccinated as soon as possible to reduce the risk of getting the virus, according to health officials.

COVID-19 Cases Could Spike In Fall, Winter

COVID-19’s community levels have been low in McHenry County for the past several weeks, but infections of the virus have spiked during the fall and winter months in 2021.

The virus continues to disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including older adults and people who are immunocompromised. Vaccination against the virus and staying up to date with a booster dose is the best way to prevent COVID-19.

For more information about RSV, influenza or COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.