Prime Highlights:
Chicago sees a significant rise in flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases as respiratory virus season intensifies.
As of Friday, 18.3% of flu tests, 14.1% of RSV tests, and 4.9% of COVID-19 tests returned positive results.
Hospitals, including University of Chicago Medicine and OSF Healthcare, implement stricter safety measures such as mandatory masking and visitor restrictions.
Key Background:
As winter sets in, the respiratory illness season in Chicago is in full swing, marked by a notable increase in cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. According to recent data from the Chicago Department of Public Health, 18.3% of individuals tested for flu-like symptoms were found to be positive for influenza, while 14.1% tested positive for RSV and 4.9% for COVID-19. This surge in respiratory infections is prompting health experts to emphasize heightened caution during the winter months.
“Flu and RSV are both significantly elevated in Chicago right now, and COVID-19 levels are also rising,” said Jacob Martin, a spokesperson for the city’s health department. As a result, local hospitals have adjusted their safety protocols to address the seasonal spike in cases. For instance, University of Chicago Medicine has instituted mandatory masking for all staff in patient areas, while OSF Healthcare has restricted hospital visitors to two adults per patient at a time.
Michael Lin, an infectious disease physician and professor at Rush Medical Center, explained that the increase in cases is typical for this time of year. “Respiratory viruses tend to spike in the winter months, primarily when people are gathering indoors and potentially spreading viruses,” Lin said. The seasonal uptick underscores the importance of vaccination, which remains available for flu and COVID-19, with updated boosters recommended for those who have not yet received them.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises RSV vaccines for adults aged 75 and older, as well as for those aged 60-74 with higher risk factors. For infants, who are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV, a maternal vaccine is administered during pregnancy, or RSV antibodies are given post-birth.
Despite the prevalence of flu and RSV, COVID-19 cases remain a concern. While the virus is not as widespread as influenza and RSV, its future trajectory is unpredictable. “COVID-19 is becoming one of the common respiratory viruses, but it hasn’t settled into a predictable seasonal pattern,” noted Lin, referencing the surge in cases observed during the summer of 2024. Experts continue to recommend preventive measures such as staying home when ill, avoiding crowded spaces for individuals with underlying health conditions, and using at-home testing kits for
respiratory illnesses. For the time being, the peak of respiratory illness season is expected to last until late spring, with a decline anticipated by early May.
