Chicago, Illinois-(Effingham Radio)- As of the week ending March 23, respiratory virus levels across Illinois have fallen to low levels in recent weeks, with every Illinois county reporting new infections for the first time since October, according to CDC data. The number of people hospitalized due to coronavirus infection is at a low level. According to the CDC COVID Data Tracker, the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois decreased by 20% in the same week.
“As we celebrate the start of spring, we are pleased to report that respiratory viruses continue to decline,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Bohra. “IDPH continues to closely monitor data, and we are relieved to hear the latest information. Flu season typically lasts through May, so we urge Illinois residents to take care of themselves and their loved ones. We encourage everyone to continue using all the tools available to them to keep safe, especially those who are most vulnerable to serious health risks.”
IDPH is updating the recommendations for the second dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older made in February by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). I supported it. People who are immunosuppressed can receive a booster vaccination two months after the previous vaccination. A CDC presentation provided for the ACIP meeting also found that 96% of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in October and November 2023 did not receive the latest COVID-19 vaccination from last fall. Preliminary data showing that
If people develop symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, or fever, IDPH recommends staying home and away from others to avoid spreading the disease. If you need to receive medical care, please wear a mask or schedule a telehealth appointment to limit the risk to others. Additionally, public health experts recommend that people who have recently been exposed to COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses may be exposed to people who have been in crowded places or who are at high risk for severe illness. We ask that you please wear a mask when visiting. Click here for more information on when and where to use a mask.
To keep the public informed about the situation around the state, IDPH maintains an Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard, which is updated every Friday. This report provides the public with the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, test positivity rates, and demographic data.
Every household in the United States is eligible for four free home tests through the COVID.gov website. IDPH also provided her single swab triple test for influenza/RSV and COVID-19 to high-risk congregate care settings and local health departments at no charge.
The CDC last year launched the Bridge Access Program to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for people who are uninsured or underinsured. The Pediatric Vaccine Program covers all vaccines recommended by ACIP for eligible children, including nilsevimab for RSV protection.
For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans with symptoms can access no-cost telehealth services through the SIU School of Medicine's COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Services or call (217) 545-5100. I can. As an additional option, you can also take advantage of free care by calling the NIH Test to Treat line or his 1-800-682-2829.
The federal government has launched a website that provides a multipurpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks, treatments, vaccines, and testing resources in every region of the country: https://www.covid.gov/ .
