IL reports child flu death as virus surges at ‘very high’ levels. There’s a new variant
Illinois Department of Public Health officials urge residents to take precautions as the state sees “very high” levels of influenza activity, along with moderate COVID transmission.
The state has reported one pediatric death due to influenza so far this season, while the nation as a whole has reported nine children dead from the flu.
The most common flu variant circulating the U.S. is a subtype of influenza A called H3N2 or “subclade K.” The flu variant has been referred to by some as a “super flu,” although it’s not a scientific term. The World Health Organization reported Dec. 10 the variant does not necessarily cause more severe disease.
While COVID levels are moderate and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, levels are low in Illinois, hospital admissions are trending up for all three respiratory viruses, according to IDPH data from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27. During that week, acute respiratory illness caused 19.4% of emergency department visits and 18.4% of hospital admissions.
“Illinois is facing a significant winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses with flu activity at very high levels,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a Jan. 5 news release. “Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick if you are able, and improving ventilation are also critical to preventing further spread.
“If you develop symptoms, it is important to get evaluated and treated early in your illness, especially if you are 65 years or older, are a young child under the age of 2 years, are pregnant, have chronic conditions, or care for someone at risk,” the statement continued.
Statewide, only 25% of the population has received a flu vaccine for the 2025-26 season as of the end of December, IDPH reports, and St. Clair County’s flu vaccination rate trends slightly behind at 23.3%. COVID vaccination rates are significantly lower, with 8% of Illinois residents receiving an updated COVID shot and just 6.2% in St. Clair County.
Despite the increase in flu activity in Illinois, officials with local school districts Belleville 118 and Harmony-Emge said they are not seeing a major spike in flu-related absences. Belle Valley Superintendent Melanie Brink told the News-Democrat she observed some increases in flu-like symptoms before winter break, but there doesn’t appear to be a spike as of the beginning of January.
If you test positive for the flu or COVID, antiviral treatments are available if you start them early enough in your course of illness. Antivirals for flu are most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, IDPH reports, while antivirals for COVID need to be started within five to seven days.
Seasonal flu activity is elevated and increasing across the nation, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois’ overall respiratory illness activity level is “high.”
How to schedule flu, COVID and RSV shots in Illinois
The St. Clair County Health Department offers updated COVID vaccines, as well as shots to protect against flu and RSV.
“There’s plenty of flu season still to come, and it’s not too late to get your flu shot,” St. Clair County Health Department spokesperson Brenda Fedak wrote, in part, in a Jan. 6 email to the News-Democrat. “St. Clair County Health Department has flu vaccines available by appointment and welcomes walk-ins.”
Those appointments run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m to 4 p.m. and the second Thursday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m. You can call 618-825-4500 for an appointment.
Those eligible and looking for retail pharmacies offering the shot can make an appointment online at CVS or Walgreens. You may also be able to request a vaccine at your annual doctor’s appointment if you have a primary care physician.
Education reporter Madison Lammert contributed to this story.
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