Illinois Seasonal Flu 2025-26

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Chicago Department of Public Heealth
Weekly Surveillance Summary updated 1/25/25



Key Points

• Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains High across Chicago. Flu activity increased from High to Very High—the maximum category; COVID-19 activity increased from Low to Moderate. RSV activity remains Moderate and is declining across all surveillance indicators.

• ED visits for flu remain significantly elevated across all age groups, as do flu hospital and ICU admissions. There has been a notable increase in severe flu cases among 5–24 year olds. ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for RSV continue to decrease and are likely past peak for the season. Although COVID-19 ED visits have increased since last week, ICU admissions have decreased.

• The percentage of specimens that tested positive for flu is high (24%) and increasing. Almost all (99%) typed flu specimens are flu A; among those subtyped 59% have been H1N1 and 41% H3N2. Test positivity for RSV has been decreasing over the past 5 weeks. Test positivity for COVID-19 has increased slightly.

• Wastewater monitoring detected increased viral concentrations of flu A and the COVID-19 virus throughout Chicago, which are at Very High and Moderate levels compared to baseline, respectively. There was a slight decrease in average weekly RSV concentrations, but the overall level remains Very High compared to baseline.

Respiratory Illness Dashboard





Continued: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...ness-data.html

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Central Illinois hospitals seeing rise in flu cases
January 31st 2025


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — As flu season intensifies, hospitals and health departments across Illinois are reporting a significant increase in influenza cases, particularly Influenza A.

Dr. Vidhya Prakash, Chief Medical Officer at SIU Medicine, said, "Our experience is closely related to what we're seeing across the state. We're down in hospital admissions for COVID-19 and RSV, but up due to influenza, and we're seeing across-the-board respiratory illnesses to all three."

Memorial Health reported a 39% positivity rate for Influenza A last week, marking the highest rate this year and surpassing last year's figures.

According to the Illinois Department of Health's Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, since the beginning of January, influenza positivity rates have jumped nearly 15%.

...https://newschannel20.com/news/local...e-in-flu-cases

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Illinois Deptartment of Public Health
IDPH Advises Public to be Vigilant as Flu Cases and Respiratory Virus Levels Tick Up

February 3, 2025


Increase in ER Visits, Hospital Admissions is Driven by Flu; IDPH Urges Public To Quickly Seek Testing and Treatment if they Experience Flu-like Symptoms

SPRINGFIELD/CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that after a one-week dip, the state’s overall respiratory illness level has ticked up again from Moderate to High, driven by a notable increase in emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions for flu.

While data for ED visits and hospital admissions for the week ending January 25 show that COVID-19 and RSV are declining, it indicates the flu is circulating more widely. There are three times as many hospital admissions for flu as there are for COVID-19, with 4.6% of admissions attributed to flu, with 1.6% to COVID-19 and 0.7% for RSV.

Almost 20% percent of ED visits were for acute respiratory illness, a catchall category that includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV plus other respiratory conditions. Of those, 7.8% were attributed to flu, 1.6% to COVID-19 and 0.7% to RSV.

“IDPH continues to closely monitor data on seasonal viruses during this respiratory season,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Flu continues to circulate widely across Illinois. I recommend that all those over 65, very young children, individuals with chronic disease, and those who are immunocompromised, use all the tools at their disposal to prevent exposure. If you do develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider and seek treatment right away. Antiviral medication is most effective if initiated less than 48 hours after your symptoms begin.”

The state’s overall respiratory activity level as calculated by the CDC moved up to High in late December but dipped to Moderate in January for one week before ticking up to High again in the most recent week, driven by increasing rates of flu. The five CDC respiratory activity levels are designed to help people understand the extent of respiratory illness activity in their area. They are divided into Minimal, Low, Moderate, High, and Very High and are based on data that captures a broad range of diagnoses from emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses, from the common cold to severe infections like influenza, RSV and COVID-19.

For those who are unvaccinated, public health officials note that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. It takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide their full level of protection. Getting shots now will offer protection through the cold and flu season that lasts into the spring.

Director Vohra recommends that anyone feeling symptoms of respiratory illness – such as a fever, runny nose, sore throat or cough – consider getting tested and treated early in the course of their illness, especially if they are at risk for serious illness or spreading it to someone who is at risk of serious illness. Those who are ill should avoid spreading germs to others by self-isolating (i.e. staying away from others when they are ill) or wearing a mask if unable to isolate.

Sadly, the IDPH Respiratory Illness Dashboard has recorded five pediatric deaths this season from flu, with three from RSV and one from COVID-19 and RSV. These deaths are a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations for children and of the risk of serious illness from these largely preventable seasonal illnesses.

IDPH has posted two helpful new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county specific information that would be valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state.

The FDA and CDC have approved new vaccines for COVID-19 and flu and they have updated who can receive the RSV vaccines. The new COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 years and older and those between 60-74 years who are at risk for serious illness. Those who received an RSV shot last winter, do not need another one at this time, according to the CDC. Those in the late stages of pregnancy are advised to get the RSV vaccine designed to protect newborns. Eligible newborns whose mothers have not received the RSV vaccine should receive nirsevimab between October and March.

For COVID-19, treatment must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started within 5–7 days after symptoms appear. Treatment is strongly recommended for those who are over 65 or at higher risk for severe illness. Some Illinoisans should be eligible to access free oral antivirals through the Paxcess and Merck Helps programs.

Antiviral treatments for flu are most effective when given within 48 hours of starting to feel ill and are only available by prescription. Older adults, young children and those who are pregnant or have certain underlying conditions are at risk for complications and should contact a healthcare provider to be assessed for the need for treatment as soon as possible.

You can find locations that perform COVID-19 tests in person at no cost near you by using the testing locator for the federal ICATT (Increasing Community Access to Testing) program.

The new vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and through hospitals, and community health clinics. The major pharmacy chains allow you to make an appointment online to get a shot.

For help finding a provider of vaccines near you, go to www.vaccines.gov. Vaccine information is also available for Illinoisans who are uninsured or underinsured, and for children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program, through IDPH’s Vaccine Locator Dashboard.

Adults without insurance can also check with their local health department for options or contact a free and charitable clinic or a Community Health Center.

https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2025/february/release-20250203.html

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Chicago Department of Public Health
Weekly Surveillance Summary
Key Points, updated 10/24/2025

• Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal.
• ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups.
• COVID-19 test positivity has increased from 1.9% to 2.8%. Test positivity for flu and RSV remains low (<1%).
• Wastewater concentrations for Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19 are minimal. RSV wastewater concentrations increased from minimal to moderate, primarily driven by a high detection in the Chicago Lawn sewershed.
• The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.
• An estimated 12.5% of Chicagoans have received a 2025-26 flu shot this season as of mid-October, down from 13.8% at the same time last year. 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccination coverage is low at an estimated 3.7%.
• Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of Chicago's City Colleges.
• IDPH has released its immunization guidance for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2025-2026 season.

Respiratory Illness Dashboard
The Respiratory Illness Dashboard below summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1 p.m.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html

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Chicago from above Post #4

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html

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Weekly Surveillance Summary

Key Points, updated 11/14/2025

• Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Minimal.
• ED visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions for flu, RSV and COVID-19 remain low across all age groups; however, ED visits associated with RSV are increasing among children <5 years
• Influenza test positivity increased to 1.3% from 0.3% last week. COVID-19 test positivity is 2.2%, similar to last week at 2.1%. Test positivity for RSV has been increasing but remains low (<1%).
• Wastewater data for the week of 11/2/2025-11/8/2025 is not available.
• Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of Chicago's City Colleges.
• IDPH has released its immunization guidance for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2025-2026 season.

Respiratory Illness Dashboard

The Respiratory Illness Dashboard below summarizes information about respiratory virus disease activity in Chicago, with a focus on COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The dashboard will be updated every Friday at 1 p.m.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html

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Illinois Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard
from November 09, 2025 to November 15, 2025

Emergency Department Visits: Percentages by Respiratory Condition | Illinois Facilities


Hospital Admissions: Percentages by Respiratory Condition | Illinois Facilities


Respiratory Deaths: Mortality Numbers

https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/surveillance/respiratory-disease-report.html

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Chicago Department of Public Health
Weekly Surveillance Summary
Key Points, updated 12/05/2025

Key Points, updated 12/05/2025

• Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago has increased from Minimal to Low. Influenza and RSV activity has continued to increase across multiple surveillance indicators for the past four weeks. National data suggest epidemic growth in Illinois, the Midwest region, and across the country.
• ED visits remain minimal for COVID-19 and low for influenza and RSV. However, influenza-associated hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and ED visits have been increasing over the last four weeks. RSV associated ED and inpatient visits are also increasing among children <5 years.
• Test positivity increased for all three viruses: Influenza test positivity increased from 3.0% to 4.1% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.9%, and COVID-19 test positivity increased from 2.1% to 2.6%.
• Wastewater concentrations for influenza A and RSV have decreased from low to minimal, influenza B remains minimal, and COVID-19 concentrations have decreased from moderate to low.
• Almost all (97.5%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 92% have been H3N2 and 8% H1N1.
• The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.
• Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics, as well as various pop-up vaccination events throughout the City, including one each at all 7 of Chicago's City Colleges.
• IDPH has released its immunization guidance for the fall respiratory virus season. CDPH endorses these recommendations which reflect detailed review and analysis of Illinois and national data, guidance from national medical specialty societies, and review of other state, regional and federal recommendations.
• 

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html

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Illinois
A Snapshot of Respiratory Surveillance in Illinois from November 30, 2025 to December 06, 2025

Fllu:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/infectious/respiratory-illness/respiratory-illness-data.html

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City of Chicago
Key Points, updated 12/18/2025

• Overall acute respiratory illness activity level in Chicago remains Low but influenza activity is increasing rapidly. RSV and COVID-19 activity have been increasing across multiple surveillance indicators for several weeks as well. National data suggest influenza and RSV are experiencing epidemic growth in Illinois and nationwide, and COVID-19 is showing epidemic growth in Illinois and nearby states.
• ED visits for influenza are rapidly increasing, especially among young children and adolescents. ED visits and hospitalizations for RSV and COVID-19 are also increasing among young children.
• Test positivity for influenza doubled from 4.8% to 9.6% this week, RSV test positivity increased from 2.9% to 4.4%, and COVID-19 test positivity decreased slightly from 4.8% to 4.2%.
• Wastewater concentrations for influenza A increased from Low to Moderate, influenza B and RSV concentrations remain low and COVID-19 concentrations remain minimal.
• Almost all (98%) typed influenza specimens for the week are influenza A; among those subtyped 80% have been H3N2 and 20% (H1N1)pdm09.
• The predominant COVID-19 variant currently detected in both wastewater and clinical samples is XFG.
• The respiratory season is here. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others from severe disease. Get your shots before the holiday and don’t let respiratory illnesses ruin the party! Other ways to reduce your risk include practicing good respiratory hygiene (e.g., cover your cough, wash your hands), taking steps for cleaner air, staying home and away from others when ill, and wearing a mask especially when ill or recovering from illness.
• Chicago residents can receive vaccinations at no cost through the CDPH’s standing Immunization Clinics.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued Respiratory Testing and Reporting Guidance for the 2025-2026 season.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...ness-data.html