Flu activity in Illinois is increasing, with many people getting sick. The flu is causing a lot of people to go to the hospital. It is especially important for older people, young children, and those with chronic illnesses to protect themselves from getting sick. Getting a flu shot can help prevent getting the flu. The flu shot takes about two weeks to work, so it's important to get it early. If you do get sick, there are medications that can help, especially if you take them within 48 hours of feeling sick. Another illness called RSV is also going around, but it seems to be getting better. RSV can make people feel like they have a cold, but it can be more serious for babies and older adults. It's good news that RSV cases are going down. Overall, respiratory illness levels in Illinois have gone from moderate to high again. This means a lot of people are getting sick with breathing problems. It's important to wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and stay away from sick people to protect yourself. In addition to the flu and RSV, there is also COVID-19 going around. Although the number of hospital admissions due to COVID-19 went down slightly recently, it's still important to be careful and follow safety guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. So, it's a good idea to take care of yourself, wash your hands, and stay away from sick people to stay healthy and avoid getting sick.