Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging residents to educate themselves on respiratory illnesses by tuning into a new episode of the "This is Public Health" podcast. The episode features discussions with the state's chief medical officer and state epidemiologist about the upcoming respiratory virus season, vaccine efficacy, and preventive measures.

"As summer comes to an end, there is no better time than now to start preparing for the upcoming fall/winter respiratory viral season," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. He emphasized that RSV, COVID-19, and flu are expected to rise and urged Illinoisans to use all available tools, including vaccines, to prevent illness.

The podcast release coincides with data from IDPH's Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard indicating a slight decline in hospital admissions for COVID-19 at 2.4%, with the CDC listing Illinois' overall respiratory illness level as minimal.

New vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV have been approved by the FDA and CDC for this fall. COVID-19 and flu shots are recommended for everyone over six months old. The RSV vaccine is advised for those aged 75 and older unless they received it last winter. Pregnant individuals in late stages are encouraged to get the RSV immunization to protect newborns.

On the podcast, IDPH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arti Barnes addressed concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety: "There is always a small risk of potential side effects from vaccines, but for the most part these vaccines are extremely safe," she stated. "The risk of NOT getting vaccinated is so much higher that there really is no comparison."

State epidemiologist Graham Briggs highlighted that vaccines also protect vulnerable family members: "One thing we want to encourage people to be thinking about is not just getting vaccinated to protect themselves, but vaccinating to protect loved ones."

IDPH officials stress staying home when sick as an effective way to reduce virus transmission. "Stay home from work and try to minimize your exposure to other people as long as you have a fever," Briggs advised.

The new vaccines are widely available at pharmacies, hospitals, and community health clinics. Appointments can be made online through major pharmacy chains or by visiting www.vaccines.gov.

"This is Public Health" generally releases new episodes twice a month. Recent topics include "Substance Use and Overdose Awareness" and "Protecting Our Future: The Power of Childhood Immunizations."