Flu season shows signs of slowing

Health officials say influenza activity is starting to show signs of subsiding in Chicago. But the virus is still considered widespread in Illinois, and health officials recommend flu shots to anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated this season.

Dr. Julie Morita of the Chicago Department of Public Health says there’s been a decline in flu patients in hospital intensive care units and fewer emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms in the city. She says that “suggests things are slowing down.”

Morita adds that flu season isn’t over and people should remain on guard, remembering to wash their hands and to limit contact with others while sick.

In Illinois, flu activity is still widespread. Statewide, 515 people have been admitted to hospital ICUs with influenza this season and 48 have died.