State health officials say Illinois flu activity continues to be high in a season where the virus struck earlier than usual.
Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said Friday that 534 people have been admitted to hospital intensive care units with the flu this season and 58 have died.
She says all but 1 of the people who died were age 50 or older.
This year's main flu strain tends to make people sicker, and public health officials continue to encourage people to get vaccinated.
Flu typically includes a fever and respiratory problems such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose. It can be accompanied by head and body aches and fatigue. Most people recover in one to two weeks, but some develop complications such as pneumonia.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
On Wednesday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained what ecoli is and how to know if you have it, addressed Starbucks posting calorie totals for drinks and the link between red meat and diabetes.
On Wednesday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained what ecoli is and how to know if you have it, addressed Starbucks posting calorie totals for drinks and the link between red meat and diabetes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 14:36:33 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:48 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:48:27 GMT
The body of a white male was found floating in Lake Michigan off the 39th Street beach Wednesday morning. Neither the age nor the identity of the man have been confirmed by Chicago police.
The body of a white male was found floating in Lake Michigan off the 39th Street beach Wednesday morning. Neither the age nor the identity of the man have been confirmed by Chicago police.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:44 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:44:38 GMT
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Chicago is at the tipping point, as the showdown continues over CPS closings. The final bell will ring for more than half of the public schools scheduled to close on Friday, under CPS' reorganization plan.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:12:41 GMT
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
