First Child Dies as Flu Levels Now ‘Very High’ in Illinois

If it hasn't hit your family yet, take a quick glance at social media for 10 seconds, and you'll see friends and coworkers posting about having the flu, as it's now spreading rapidly across northern Illinois.

Flu and COVID-19 Cases Rise Across Illinois

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), they are urging residents to take immediate precautions as seasonal respiratory illnesses are surging across the state.

IDPH reports flu activity has now reached "Very High" levels in Illinois, which is the most severe classification used by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This mirrors nationwide trends, which also show levels of flu climbing across the country, including "High" levels in Wisconsin, according to the last CDC report.

COVID-19 levels have also climbed to "moderate" levels in Illinois, according to the IDPH.

First Pediatric Flu Death Reported This Season

The State of Illinois has confirmed the first influenza-related death in a child this season, which highlights the seriousness of the current flu levels. So far, there have been 9 child deaths nationally that have been related to the flu.

In 2024-2025, Illinois recorded 12 pediatric flu deaths, along with 6 deaths from RSV, and three from COVID-19, which shows the ongoing risk of respiratory viruses around the state.

Vaccination Rates Remain Low Statewide

Despite this rising threat and social media reports of Illinois hospitals at maximum capacity because of the spread, vaccination coverage remains limited.

According to the IDPH, about 2 out of 10 Illinois residents have received a flu shot this season (21.9 percent), and about 7 out of 100 Illinois residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination.

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Health officials are continuing to stress that vaccines are the most effective defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Immediate Precautions Urged By Health Officials

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the agency is closely monitoring the situation and urged residents to take preventive steps to prevent illness.

Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Simple steps like covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands regularly, staying home when sick if you are able, and improving ventilation are also critical to preventing further spread. -IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra

Those at highest risk include young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions.

For more best practices to prevent the spread of infectious respiratory illnesses, CLICK HERE.