Illinois is among 30 states reporting high flu activity in a season where the virus is striking earlier than usual and the main flu strain is one that tends to make people sicker.
Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Friday that 476 people have been admitted to hospital intensive care units with the flu this season and 50 have died.
Public health officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated.
One bright spot: Chicago's flu hospitalizations continued a two-week decline.
Last week there were nine patients in hospital intensive care units with the flu, a decrease from 31 the previous week.
Dr. Julie Morita of the Chicago Department of Public Health says the demand for vaccine remains high, but it's not overwhelming. She says supplies are good.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
The Art Museo at the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare will showcase the talent of autistic artists in a special exhibit, "Brilliance of Autism." Curator Dr. Jacqueline Marquette, her son, artist Trent Altman explain.
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Deanna Stellato, Director of Aesthetics at the Geldner Center shared easy, do-it-yourself skin care tips for home remedies that require ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen!
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Komedyplast founder and Highland Park plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig travels to Peru with his charity to help kids with congenital craniofacial anomalies who wouldn't otherwise be able to get surgery.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
