Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard shows hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV all ticked up in December

ILLINOIS (KBSI) – The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) says they have moved up to a moderate level when it comes to respiratory illness.

IDPH announced that the state’s overall respiratory illness level has moved up from Low to Moderate, meaning that Illinoisans face an increased chance of exposure to seasonal illnesses as families are gathering to celebrate the holidays.

IDPH’s Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard indicates that hospital admissions for COVID-19, flu and RSV all ticked up (as a percent of all hospital admissions) in the week ending Dec. 14, 2024.

The percentage of emergency department visits due to respiratory illness also increased from 13.8% in the previous week to 14.7%.

The state is also continuing to see a rise in ICU admissions due to RSV, driven by children 0-4 years old.

“As expected, Illinois is experiencing an increase in seasonal respiratory illnesses as winter arrives,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “As we gather with our loved ones during the holiday season, please use all the tools at your disposal to protect friends and family who are most vulnerable to severe outcomes. This includes those who are over 65, very young children and people who are immunosuppressed.”

“The best protection from severe illness caused by COVID-19, flu and RSV remains the highly effective vaccines that are widely available,” Director Vohra added. “Other effective tools include enhanced ventilation and good hand hygiene. If you are having concerning respiratory systems, please seek medical care.