Chicago is no longer at the peak of this season's influenza outbreak, according to its city health commissioner.
Commissioner Bechara Choucair told the city's Health and Environmental Protection Committee Wednesday that while "the flu" hit early this year and was a more severe strain, the virus is unlikely to gain strength again this season.
"We've obviously seen the cases, the spread of the disease happen very early this year," Choucair said. "We started seeing ICU hospitalization in November and a significant peak at the end of December, early January. And now it's kind of slowing down."
Choucair said the number of influenza cases has jumped from last year but that two previous years of mild influenza seasons should be taken into account.
"There is a lot of activity, there is the severe strain that happened but people compare [the severity] to the year before or the year after," Choucair said. "The reality is that we have an epidemic every year."
Choucair differentiated between an epidemic and a pandemic, noting that an epidemic strikes any time the illness is above its baseline presence in the area. A pandemic happens when there's an influenza strain that's new to humans, the last of which was the H1N1 virus, he said.
In the week of Jan. 20-26, there were seven reports of influenza-related illnesses at emergency rooms. Just the week before, there were double the amount of reported illnesses.
This season Chicago has had 159 ICU hospitalizations due to influenza-related illnesses, compared to 63 hospitalizations for all of last season, according to Chicago Department of Public Health statistics.
Senior citizens and children up to age 4 have been the most affected by influenza so far this season, Choucair said.
Choucair is still urging residents to get their flu shot or nasal spray if they haven't already. The city still has plenty of vaccines available, he said.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:27:06 GMT
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
On Wednesday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained what ecoli is and how to know if you have it, addressed Starbucks posting calorie totals for drinks and the link between red meat and diabetes.
On Wednesday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained what ecoli is and how to know if you have it, addressed Starbucks posting calorie totals for drinks and the link between red meat and diabetes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:54 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:54:40 GMT
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
A man previously convicted of sex trafficking in Cook County has been charged again, this time for allegedly kidnapping a Minnesota woman and bringing her to Chicago to work in the sex trade.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:46:42 GMT
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Nine Lafayette Elementary parents and students have occupied a Lafayette Elementary school classroom, in a sit-in style protest against the school's closing.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:54 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:54:41 GMT
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Nine students at a Near North Side bilingual public elementary school were hospitalized Wednesday afternoon after a student accidentally discharged pepper spray.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:27:06 GMT
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Now that obesity has been officially classified as a disease by the AMA, many are wondering how this will affect the 35.7 percent of Americans who are described as obese.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:14 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:14:33 GMT
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
Two government aid programs somehow became one Wednesday afternoon on the West Side. Hundreds of people lined up for both food and flood assistance at the state office at Chicago and Pulaski.
