Despite recent warmer temperatures, health officials are emphasizing that flu season is far from over in Illinois. In fact, cases are currently peaking, with a significant influx of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Maddy Draper, with OSF HealthCare, cautions residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the milder weather. The current surge includes cases of both Influenza A and Influenza B, alongside ongoing instances of COVID-19, creating a complex respiratory illness landscape.
The surge in cases is impacting healthcare facilities across the region. Draper describes a high volume of patients experiencing classic flu symptoms – fever, chills, body aches, and headaches – reporting they “feel like they got hit by a bus.” Both OSF clinics and the hospital are experiencing increased patient loads as a result of this widespread illness. Understanding when to seek medical attention, and where, is crucial during this peak season.
“We’re seeing a ton of patients coming in with flu-like symptoms,” Draper stated. Listen to the audio here. “And we’re definitely seeing an influx at both of our clinics. the hospital is seeing an influx.”
Home Care and When to Seek Urgent Care
Draper stresses the importance of basic preventative measures, such as regularly wiping down surfaces to limit the spread of germs. For those experiencing flu-like symptoms, staying home and focusing on supportive care is the first line of defense. This includes prioritizing hydration, rest, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms. Listen to Draper’s advice on home care here.
Still, Draper emphasizes that it’s vital to recognize when symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve with at-home management, seeking care at an urgent care facility is recommended. “Making sure that they keep themselves hydrated, getting plenty of rest, taking medication at home for their symptoms. And if things get worse; if they’re not getting any better with symptomatic management at home, then definitely come in to urgent care, let us evaluate you, produce sure nothing else is going on,” she advises.
Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care: Knowing the Difference
A critical component of navigating this flu season is understanding the appropriate level of care needed. Draper clarifies that symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, and congestion generally warrant a visit to a doctor or urgent care center. However, certain symptoms demand immediate attention at the Emergency Room. These include dizziness, uncontrolled vomiting, weakness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
“She says with symptoms like fever, chills, body aches and congestion; head to your doctor or Urgent Care. But if you have dizziness, vomiting that cannot be controlled at home, weakness, chest pains, or shortness of breath; Make sure to head for the Emergency Room,” Draper explained.
Local school districts are also monitoring the situation. Danville District 118 has reported illness among students and staff, but indicated to CIMG that the number of cases is not currently outside the typical range for this time of year.
As the flu season continues its peak, staying informed and making responsible healthcare decisions is paramount. The combination of influenza strains and the continued presence of COVID-19 requires vigilance and a proactive approach to protecting both individual and community health. The situation remains dynamic, and ongoing monitoring of respiratory illness trends will be essential in the coming weeks.
Please share this information with your friends and family to help ensure everyone stays safe and informed this flu season. What steps are you taking to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses?
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
