Saturday, January 12, 2013
The aggregator also shows that in the same six-year period, flu activity typically has peaked in February and March, not in early January, as is happening this season.
Flu season has peaked in Illinois to a level not seen in at least six years, and has peaked earlier than any other flu season except in 2009-10, according to Google.org’s Flu Trends, which boasts that it uses aggregated Google search data to estimate flu activity. Flu Trends shows the intensity level of flu activity at this time is the highest seen in at least six years. The aggregator also shows that in the same six-year period, flu activity typically has peaked in February and March, not in early January, as is happening this season. Only in 2009-10, when swine flu swept the nation, did flu activity peak earlier—in October—over the past six years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health…
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Season off to strong start compared to last year, Lake County Health Department officials said.
Lake County health officials are finding the number of seasonal flu cases being reported this year is substantially higher than this time last year, prompting officials to remind people to get a flu vaccine. The health department’s weekly surveillance of the flu showed there was slight increase in the number of flu cases the department’s clinics reported. During the week of Dec. 2-8, 112 illnesses were reported and that number increased to 114 the following week, said Matt Knight, a nurse with the LCHD. Lake County also monitors flu tests from area hospitals, which reported 20 positive tests during the week of Dec. 2-8, Knight said. The following week, the number went up to 38, he said. There have been a total of 43 positive flu tests …
Friday, December 14, 2012
Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in the Chicago area than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Libertyville-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) In Chicago, and overall in Illinois, activity is now considered "high" on a scale of minimal, low, moderate, high and intense. At this time in 2011, activity was considered "moderate," but reached "high" by early March, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Libertyville that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course): Walgreens, at 1470 S. Milwaukee Ave. Walgreens, at 1770 N. Milwaukee Ave. Osco, 1300 S. Milwaukee Ave. More locations …
