1 Child Death, Rampant Flu Reported In Illinois

CHICAGO, IL — Cases of flu are on the uptick in Illinois, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported one pediatric death as a result of the flu since October. The influenza virus is now categorized as "widespread" in Illinois and 22 other states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That marks an increase from last week, when it was categorized as "regional."

Since the start of flu season in October, the Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 68 people have been admitted to the intensive care unit due to influenza, a big spike from just a month ago when 27 ICU admissions were reported. The vast majority of those are patients age 65 and older.

In 2016, IDPH reported four pediatric flu deaths and 1,044 ICU admissions statewide.

"Regional" means Illinois saw outbreaks of flu or increased influenza-like illness, including recent laboratory confirmed influenza, in at least two but less than half the regions of the state, according to the CDC. "Widespread" means flu or flu-like illness has been confirmed in at least half the regions in the state over a three-week period.

The flu season typically runs from October to May with the peak between December and February. IDPH urges everyone six months of age or older to get a flu shot.

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, there's still time to do so before you attend those big holiday gatherings. Not sure where you can get one? Use the vaccine finder to find a provider near you.

Main photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images