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IL Reporting Higher Than Normal Flu Activity

Flu.Gov

Illinois is one of 24 states that are now reporting higher than normal flu activity this season.

Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck says 368 people have been hospitalized so far this year with 27 flu-related deaths. The majority of hospitalizations and deaths are of people in their 50's and older. The department expects to see an increase in the number of hospitalizations and death as more health care providers report cases from previous weeks as well as current cases.

Hasbrouck says the strain of flu that is predominately circulating in Illinois and the country has been a severe strain causing more hospitalizations and deaths than in most flu seasons.  The Department of Public Health says it's not too late to get immunized. While there have been reports of doctors running out of flu shots, Hasbrouck says there is enough vaccine to go around.
 

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