As Coronavirus Fears Grow, Flu Deaths Spike In Illinois

ILLINOIS — The world's focus has turned to the coronavirus, but new data released by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows that the flu continues to be a major problem locally, with flu being categorized as "widespread" throughout the state.

The number of pediatric flu-related deaths in Illinois has spiked since the end of January, with five additional child deaths reported as of Feb. 22. A total of six children have died from the flu in Illinois since September.

Since the end of September, nearly 1,000 flu patients have been admitted to intensive care units, including 115 children ranging from infants to age 4, and 97 patients ranging in age from 5 to 24. More than 600 flu patients age 50 and older have been admitted to ICUs statewide.

This week, children accounted for 18 flu-related ICU admissions.

Flu outbreaks have hit Chicago and Cook County the hardest, Illinois health officials said.

RELATED: Easy Ways To Avoid Getting Sick This Season

The groups most at risk of the flu are older adults, very young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic medical conditions, according to the CDC.

Meanwhile, headlines continue to depict a dire situation surrounding the new coronavirus.

Illinois has had two confirmed cases of coronavirus — a woman and her 60s who had recently traveled to China, along with her husband — and more than 60 patients suspected to have the virus have tested negative.

On Friday, state health officials said testing was underway for two new potential coronavirus cases.

Coronavirus: Illinois Should Plan Now For Pandemic

Earlier this week, state health officials announced they were preparing after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a dire warning, saying communities across the nation should brace for the spread of coronavirus, now officially called COVID-19.

Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease, told reporters Tuesday the question is no longer if the coronavirus will spread across the United States, but when.

At least 80,000 people have been infected and 2,700 people have died from coronavirus, creating a global pandemic, according to the World Health Organization. It is spreading so quickly overseas that infectious disease experts and scientists warn there may be no way to contain it.

Avoiding the flu

IDPH says the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated. The CDC offers a vaccine finder to help you locate a flu shot provider near you.

Who should get a flu shot?

• persons 65 years of age and older, even if they are otherwise in good health;
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
• persons of all ages who have chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma;
• persons with diabetes, renal disease, severe anemia or suppressed immune systems;
• children who are on aspirin therapy; and
• health care providers or household members of any of the above groups.

What else can be done to avoid the flu?

• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, preferably with a facial tissue or your arm, not your hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick. Stay home from work or school until you recover.
• Contact your medical provider if you are experiencing severe symptoms that you believe require medical attention.
• Do not share things that go into the mouth, such as drinking cups, straws, etc.
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces if someone in your house has a cold or the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth while in public as these areas act as portals for bacteria and viruses to enter your body.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health

With reporting from Kara Seymour, Patch Staff