The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is enhancing its resources as the respiratory virus season begins. With upgraded dashboards and new vaccination guidelines, the department urges Illinois residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. The state also offers free antiviral treatments and testing programs to mitigate the spread of these illnesses. Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccinations, especially for high-risk groups, and urge prompt action for those experiencing symptoms.
“As we head into fall, the Department of Public Health is closely monitoring this season’s respiratory illnesses and so can you with our updated respiratory illness dashboard,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Similar to past seasons, we should expect a rise in RSV, COVID-19 and flu cases as the weather cools. Now is a great time to get yourself protected from severe illness with updated vaccines, especially if you are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions.”
The Department has upgraded its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and has posted two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for these seasonal illnesses. In addition, the CDC has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county-specific information for anyone planning to travel out of Illinois.
“As our public health workers ramp up preparations for the respiratory virus season we know is coming, all of us can play a role in protecting ourselves and reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “So make plans now to get both of those shots and protect yourself from serious illness.”
The federal government has resumed offering free Covid tests to every household through the covidtests.gov website.