Whooping cough cases on the rise this winter in Illinois, state health officials say

Now that colder temperatures have arrived, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding residents to prepare for the coming respiratory virus season by getting the recommended shots for the flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

Although the IDPH Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard shows the overall illness level in Illinois remains low, public health officials said they expect viral activity to increase as the holiday season and time for indoor gatherings kicks into gear.

IDPH officials also are warning of a significant increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases this year. The largest monthly total in 20 years was recorded in October, when 408 cases were reported, or more than double the number in October 2023. According to preliminary data, the state has recorded more than 1,900 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis in Illinois in the year to date, the highest number since 2012. This tracks a national trend and follows a sharp drop in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It takes about two weeks for vaccinations to provide their full level of protection, and getting your shot this week will help protect you and your loved ones before we all gather to celebrate the holidays,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release. “Vaccines are especially important if you are over 65, immunocompromised or have chronic medical conditions.”

Vohra said the post-pandemic rise in whooping couch cases is “cause for concern,” and state health officials are monitoring the data. Vohra said parents should remember to ask their child’s pediatrician about whooping couch vaccinations.

“Please speak with your health care provider to ensure that you and your children are up to date on your pertussis vaccinations (DTap for children younger than 7 or Tdap for older children and adults),” Vohra said in a release.

The IDPH also sent out three health alerts flagging a rise in whooping cough cases to local health departments and health care providers, urging them to be vigilant about identifying cases and reporting them within 24 hours of diagnosis. The statewide alerts also have reminded schools to adhere to vaccination requirements for pertussis and report cases and outbreaks occurring within their school to their local health department.

What to know about vaccinations

The IDPH respiratory illness dashboard shows that hospital admissions for COVID-19 are remaining flat at 0.7% of admissions.

The department also published two new FAQ documents on its website providing the latest guidance on vaccinations and how to get tested and treated for seasonal illnesses.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has created a new Respiratory Illness Data Channel that provides nationwide county-specific information that would be valuable for anyone planning to travel out of state.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC have approved new vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu as well as updated who can receive the RSV vaccines. The new COVID-19 vaccines and the new flu shots are recommended for everyone older than 6 months. The RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone 75 and older. But if you got an RSV shot last winter, you do not need another at this time, according to the CDC. Those in the late stages of pregnancy are advised to get the RSV vaccine designed to protect newborns. Newborns whose mothers have not received the RSV vaccine should receive nirsevimab between October and March.

What should I do if I become sick?

Public health leaders stress one of the best ways to reduce transmission of viruses is to stay home when you are sick to reduce spread to others. Anyone with respiratory symptoms – such as coughing, a runny nose or fever – should try to self-isolate from others, unless they need to seek medical care. If you cannot self-isolate, wear a well-fitted mask around others.

IDPH officials remind the public that if you do get a viral illness, there are effective antiviral treatments available for COVID-19 and the flu, but they must be started quickly. This is why it is important to get tested if you are feeling symptoms. For COVID-19, treatment must be prescribed by a health care provider and started within five to seven days after symptoms appear.

Treatment is strongly recommended for those older than 65 or at a higher risk for severe illness. Some Illinoisans should be eligible to access free oral antivirals through the Paxcess and Merck Helps programs. Antiviral treatments for the flu are most effective when given within 48 hours of starting to feel ill and are only available by prescription. Older adults, young children and those who are pregnant or have conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are at risk for complications and should contact a health care provider to be assessed for the need for treatment as soon as possible.

Illinoisans can find locations that perform COVID-19 tests in person at no cost near you by using the testing locator for the federal Increasing Community Access to Testing program. The federal government also resumed offering free COVID-19 tests to every household through the covidtests.gov website. The new vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and through hospitals and community health clinics. The major pharmacy chains allow you to make an appointment to get a shot online.

For help finding a provider of vaccines near you, go to www.vaccines.gov. For those who don’t have health care coverage through a private plan, Medicare or Medicaid, IDPH operates the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides vaccines at no cost for children 18 and younger. Adults without insurance have several options. They can check with their local health department or contact a free and charitable clinic or a Community Health Center.