First child death from flu in Illinois reported

Illinois has reported its first child death from the flu this season as activity levels continue to spike, heath officials warn.

The Illinois Department of Public Health didn’t immediately have any further information about the child's flu death.

In a press release Monday, the IDPH warned that flu activity in the state has climbed to “very high” in recent days — the most severe of five categories of respiratory illness activity, as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVId-19 rates have alos climbed to "moderate."

"Illinois is facing a significant winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses with flu activity at very high levels,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a statement. "IDPH is monitoring the situation closely and working with our partners in public health and healthcare to protect Illinois families across the state.”

The percentage of flu-associated emergency room visits has surpassed last year's peak and continues to increase, according to a press release from the Cook County Department of Public Health. ICU admissions for flu nearly doubled.

Nationally, there have been nine pediatric deaths due to the flu this season, the IDPH said. During the 2024/2025 season, Illinois reported 12 pediatric deaths from influenza, 6 from RSV and 3 from COVID-19.

Health officials say getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent severe illness from the flu.

21.9% of Illinoisans have received their flu shot this season, while only 6.8% have received COVID-19 immunization, according to IDPH’s Illinois Vaccination Coverage Dashboards.

While anyone can potentially become seriously ill from seasonal respiratory illnesses, those most at risk are the very young, very old, pregnant individuals, and those who have other underlying health conditions.

"If you develop symptoms, it is important to get evaluated and treated early in your illness, especially if you are 65 years or older, are a young child under the age of 2 years, are pregnant, have chronic conditions, or care for someone at risk," Vohra said.

Additional steps that are "critical to preventing further spread" include washing your hands frequently with soap and water, staying home if your sick, covering coughs and sneezes and wearing a mask, the IDPH says.