Respiratory Illness levels remain high in the Peoria region
According to the latest information available on the health department's 2024-2025 Influenza Season Surveillance Report, there were 550 positive influenza tests between Jan. 19 and Jan. 25. This has led to 96 hospital admissions.
In order to stop the spread of the illnesses, local hospitals, including Carle Health and OSF Healthcare, are encouraging everyone to limit the number of hospital visits they make and to wear masks when visiting the hospitals.
'The Health Department continues to amplify the urgent needs of our local health care systems and ring the alarm on the critical importance of limiting the spread of Influenza, RSV, and COVID,' said Monica Hendrickson, Public Health Administrator. 'It is imperative that we take proactive measures to prevent overwhelming our health care infrastructure, ensuring they can provide the best care for all who need it.'
With medical offices being impacted, OSF Healthcare is encouraging patients to take advantage of their virtual care options.
'OSF has several virtual options. Our OSF OnCall colleagues have virtual visits and can see you in the comfort of your own home. You can access the same telehealth services with your own primary care provider,' said Sarah Overton RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer, OSF Multispecialty Services.
New Peoria County Health & Human Services building dedicated
The Illinois Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend several best practices to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
All visitors, patients, and staff wear a mask upon entering a healthcare facility.
Visitors should be at least 18 years of age and older. This will minimize patient exposure to children, who are known to be high risk for transmission of viral infections, and will also help protect children from contracting an illness while visiting the hospital.
Limit of 2 visitors per patient.
Individuals who are not feeling well or have had flu-like symptoms in the past seven days should not visit hospitalized patients. Flu-like symptoms include a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, cough, and/or sore throat.
When entering and leaving a patient's room, everyone should wash their hands with soapand water or use an alcohol-based hand foam/gel. Washing helps limit the spread of disease.
People should cough or sneeze into their arm, shoulder, or tissues (not hands) to reduce the spread of germs that can be passed from hands touching surfaces or people.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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