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Out of people tested in the city for flu-like symptoms, 18.3 percent were found positive for influenza, 14.1 percent with RSV or respiratory synchronization virus, and 4.9 percent for COVID-19 as per data collected on Friday.

As flu, covid and RSV cases rise, Dr. Whitney Lyn spoke with NBC 5 Chicago about protecting yourself and your loved ones. 1) Get vaccinated 2) Wear a mask and 3) Stay home if you aren't feeling well. https://t.co/OXpmYoT7A3

— Cook County Health (@CookCtyHealth) January 6, 2025

The city health department spokesperson, Jacob Martin, added that “Flu and RSV are both significantly elevated in Chicago right now, and COVID levels are increasing as well,” and “Respiratory virus season is in full swing.”

Strict safety measures in place

Local hospitals have increased the use of masks during this period due to increased cases caused by the holiday sessions.

The University of Chicago Medicine announced on December 23 that all personnel would have to wear face masks in zones accessed by patients, based on the internal memo, blockclubchicago.org reported.

According to Michael Lin, an infectious disease physician and professor at Rush Medical Center, the “deep upslope” in cases is common for this time of year.

Flu, RSV Cases Spike As Respiratory Virus Season In Chicago Hits ‘Full Swing’ https://t.co/TsQP2rFvhb via @BlockClubChi

— Susan T (@Suz_Todd) January 6, 2025

“Respiratory viruses tend to spike in the winter months, primarily when people are gathering indoors, spending more time together, and possibly spreading viruses,” Lin added.

Furthermore, vaccines to protect people through the winter season are administered during the fall. However, it is still possible to take a flu shot or an updated COVID-19 booster if one hasn’t yet, added Lin.

CDC recommends RSV vaccines for all adults 75 and over, as well as those between the ages of 60 and 74 with a cardiac or pulmonary disorder.

There is a maternal vaccine if the child is an infant, or an RSV antibody can be administered to the infant after birth.

What more do experts suggest?

According to Lin, “Going to events a little bit ill can cause a lot of spread,” and “If your child is sick, keep them away from other children. Do what’s practical.”

Lin says people with other health conditions that might exacerbate respiratory diseases should wear masks in crowded places.

However, Lin also mentioned that for others, masking is “really a personal preference after that,” blockclubchicago.org reported.

Respiratory illnesses are surging in Chicago, with flu and RSV cases on the rise. Stay informed, protect your loved ones, and take preventive measures this season!

Read More : https://t.co/TJQGjIOAph#HealthAlert #RespiratoryHealth #FluSeason #RSVUpdates #ChicagoHealth pic.twitter.com/l7bNH0R3Xi

— Insights care (@Insightscare) January 7, 2025

Lin said that at-home testing kits for respiratory illnesses are gradually becoming more prevalent.

Although it’s not as prevalent as the flu and RSV currently, there is no way of knowing when that will peak too, Lin added.

As Lin said, “It’s becoming one of the common respiratory viruses, but it hasn’t settled into a pattern seasonally yet. It’s harder to predict when it’s going to strike,” and “It’s not behaving yet like a classic respiratory virus.”

There is still a lot that is not known about how COVID-19 would impact the body after some time, Lin admitted. Lin added that peak season for respiratory illnesses begins to decline towards the later part of April or early part of May.

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