Chicago sees an early start to flu season, with health officials urging vaccination

CHICAGO — Flu season is arriving earlier than usual in Chicago this year, and public health officials are asking residents to get vaccinated by the end of the month, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Flu activity is higher than expected for late October

The city’s latest report, updated Oct. 22, shows flu levels that are still overall low but already above what officials normally see at this point in the season. Dr. Alex Sloboda, the department’s medical director of emergency preparedness and immunization, said the city is seeing numbers that usually do not show up until November or December.

Sloboda said the timing is unusually early compared with recent years. In Chicago, about 2.1% of flu tests are coming back positive, he said, which is higher than the typical rate of less than 1% around this time of year.

According to Sloboda, the season may be starting early because of mutations in H1N1, a form of influenza A that is circulating in Chicago and other parts of the country. He said officials will not know for sure what is driving the early rise until they can review the full season’s data afterward.

Most recent samples point to influenza A

The department’s report also shows that the virus type seen in Chicago is mostly influenza A. Last week, about 98% of samples tested to identify the type were influenza A, and the samples that were tested further were all identified as H1N1, according to the report.

• Positive flu tests: about 2.1%
• Typical rate this time of year: less than 1%
• Most recent tested samples: 98% influenza A
• Further testing: all identified as H1N1
• Vaccination advice: people 6 months and older

Health officials said this year’s flu vaccine includes an H1N1 strain. They expect it to still offer protection even if it is not an exact match for the virus currently spreading.

Why the flu can hit hard, even in healthy people

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. Unlike a common cold, it often starts suddenly and can become serious enough to require hospitalization, according to health officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue among common symptoms. Some children may also have vomiting or diarrhea.

Older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions face a greater risk of serious complications, but Sloboda said healthy people can also become very sick. He said symptoms can last a week or two in some cases.

Officials say the flu spreads when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. People can pass it on before they know they are sick, and Cook County health officials say they are usually most contagious during the first three days of illness.

How Chicago residents can lower their risk

Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot every year. They also say people should stay current on other vaccines, including measles and COVID-19, as winter approaches and respiratory viruses tend to increase.

Sloboda also addressed a common concern about the flu shot making people sick. He said body aches or fatigue after vaccination are usually signs that the immune system is responding, not proof that someone caught the flu.

Beyond vaccination, officials recommend washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and staying home when unwell.

Chicagoans can get flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost through Chicago Department of Public Health clinics and pop-up events. People with private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid can also use their healthcare provider or an in-network pharmacy, and the city says callers should check ahead to make sure vaccines are available.

The department runs four immunization clinics for uninsured and underinsured residents, including sites in Greater Lawn, Pilsen, Roseland and Uptown. The city’s next vaccination event is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Instituto Health Science Academy on South Western Avenue, where free flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be offered.

Sloboda said this weekend would be a good time for people to get vaccinated if they have not done so already.

Source: Janelle Mella