September 22, 2023 7:12 am CDT
Flu season has arrived in force in some Illinois communities
LITCHFIELD (Illinois News Network) — Illinois is not escaping the flu outbreak that has swept across parts of the country.
The Illinois Department of Public Health does not track flu cases, just the number of people who are hospitalized.
Litchfield schools, in Montgomery County, canceled classes last week because so many students and teachers were out sick.
Montgomery County Public Health Administrator Hugh Satterlee said that Litchfield’s flu outbreak was the worst in the county and one of the worst in the state.
“They had triple digits of kids out sick and being sent home from school,” Satterlee said. “Things were even more difficult because they had staff that was out.”
Hillsboro and a handful of other south-central Illinois schools have also seen high numbers of absences due to the flu.
The CDC last week said that flu season across the country looks to be early and severe.
So it’s up to local public health departments to paint the picture of Illinois’ early flu season, and the picture isn’t pretty.
Satterlee said he’s seen a slight uptick in the number of people looking for flu shots. For some people, it’s a good thing. They kick-in after two weeks, according to Satterlee, but won’t help you much if you’re sick already.
The Center Square -- formerly known as Watchdog.org and the Illinois News Network -- and their reporters represent 18 states across the United States as the taxpayers' watchdog, exposing the way government really works.
Some rights reserved 2017-2023 by Heartland Newsfeed, a subsidiary partnership by Heartland Internet Media Networks and Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois LLC. Content published by Heartland Newsfeed staff is covered by the BipCot NoGov license. This allows use and re-use by anyone except governments and government agents. License on record. JNews theme designed and developed by Jegtheme.
