COVID-19, respiratory diseases hospitalizations trending up in central Illinois

Family and friend gatherings ahead of the holiday season should take note of increased COVID-19 cases in central Illinois, public health officials say.

According to the latest data from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, hospital admissions were up by more than 20% in Christian, Logan, Menard, and Sangamon counties from Nov. 25 through Dec. 2. The counties were among 44 in the state experiencing elevated hospitalizations.

Statewide, admissions were up 22.3% for the same period. Neighboring counties — Macoupin and Montgomery — had also experienced increased hospitalizations but were still considered low by the CDC.

In an advisory, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra recommended the public take mitigation steps: getting tested if exposed to the virus or if they are feeling ill, masking in crowded places, and proper hand hygiene.

“These tools are especially critical for those most at-risk for severe disease including those who are over 65, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions,” he said in a statement.

Other respiratory diseases such as the flu and respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, are also on the rise. IDPH is now tracking hospital admissions, demographic data, seasonal trends, and lab test positivity through its Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard which is updated weekly on Fridays.

The CDC released recommendations for pregnant people wishing to receive the RSV vaccine in September, saying one dose of the RSV vaccine Abrysvo during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy would ensure maximum protection for babies after birth.

Nirsevimab, a recently FDA-approved drug to protect newborns from RSV, has limited availability. IDPH encourages those who are pregnant to receive Abrysvo through January if they expect to deliver during RSV season.  RSV makes up more than 1% of hospital admissions per the IDPH dashboard.

Where can I get COVID-19 tests?

The CDC has a web tool, that gives locations of free COVID-19 tests. In Springfield, tests can be found at pharmacy stores such as CVS and Walgreens.

Other options exist for those who don’t want to leave home. As of Nov. 20, every household in the U.S. is also eligible to receive four free at-home tests through the COVID.gov website.

Free treatment options

Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can access no-cost-share telehealth services through various local and federal services.

The SIU School of Medicine and IDPH partnered with its COVID-19 Test to Treat services, which can prescribe free medication to those who call (217) 545-5100. Telehealth appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Another option exists through the National Institutes of Health Test to Treat line or by calling (800) 682-2829.

Contact Patrick M. Keck: 312-549–9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.