Flu cases are surging across the Chicago area and the rest of the United States, with hospitals reporting increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations earlier than in previous years. For many families, the holidays have been overshadowed by illness, as flu activity continues to spread rapidly.
In suburban Cook County, flu-related emergency visits nearly tripled during the week ending December 20. Officials report that flu activity has reached high levels, and Chicago hospitals are seeing a significant increase in patients suffering from flu-like symptoms.
Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer for the Cook County Department of Public Health, noted the unusual severity of the season. While seasonal flu surges are common during winter, the early timing and high volume of cases have raised concerns. Nationwide, flu activity is reported as high or very high in more than half of U.S. states.
Another pressing issue is the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine. The vaccine was developed with strains anticipated to be most common, but a new strain, known as subclade K, began rapidly circulating after production decisions were made. As a result, the current flu shot does not provide as strong protection against this variant. Despite this mismatch, health officials strongly encourage vaccination, as the vaccine still offers significant protection against severe outcomes.
Hospitals are bracing for potential upcoming spikes, and health professionals are urging individuals to seek preventive care. Dr. Jasmine Saavedra, medical director of pediatrics at Esperanza Health Centers, emphasized the importance of vaccination, saying it remains the best defense against complications such as pneumonia or ear infections, which are common in children.
For Chicago families like the Tassonis, who spent the holidays battling the flu, this season has highlighted the virus’s capacity to disrupt daily life. Tom Tassoni described his family’s experience as a rough period filled with fevers, coughing, and fatigue that left everyone homebound and recovering for weeks.
Public health officials continue to monitor the flu season, providing updates and reminders on vaccination clinics and prevention strategies. Standard recommendations include frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding close contact with those showing symptoms of illness.