Illinois Hit Hard by One of Its Worst Flu Seasons in Years

I don't know about you, but flu season has me moving very differently this year.

Illinois is in the middle of a brutal flu season, and it honestly feels like everyone around me is sick.  Coworkers.  Friends.  Someone's kid in line at self-checkout.  Someone who "just thought it was allergies."  Meanwhile, I have been going to work, avoiding as many people as humanly possible, and then going straight home.  No social interactions.  No unnecessary errands.  No nothing!

Why?  Because I refuse to get the flu.  So far, so good.

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The flu is not welcome in my home or my body.  Not this year.  Not ever.

And the numbers coming out of Illinois are kind of questionable. The state is seeing one of its worst flu seasons in recent years, with outbreak zones popping up all over; West Chicago, Bellwood, Rockford, Metro East, Peoria, and at least 100 people have already died from the flu this season.  77 of those deaths happened this month, too.  Children and the elderly have been hit the hardest, and there have been pediatric deaths, too.

Illinois Hit Hard by One of Its Worst Flu Seasons in Years

Health officials in Illinois say flu activity is not considered "very high" in Illinois, the most severe category.

The last time it was this bad was back in 2009 and 2010.  Emergency rooms are now hitting max capacity, hospital admission are increasing, and so many people have ended up in the ICU with the flu.

They're saying that one big reason this season is so severe is "vaccine skepticism."

Read More: Illinois Goes One Year Without Fatal Expressway Shootings 

Dewer people are getting the flu shot, often because of misinformation or political pressure.  Illinois lawmakers recently passed a bill to strengthen vaccine standards as "federal recommendations" have lowered.  Peak flu season typically hits in February, which means we could be a major rise in sicknesses.

So yes, I will continue my routine of work, avoidance, and home.  Stay flu-free!