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McHenry County Alerts Residents to Rising Flu Activity, Urges Vaccination

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, December 26th 2025 at 13:51 GMT by Patch

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McHenry County Warns of Rising Flu Activity – Residents Urged to Get Vaccinated and Take Precautions

The McHenry County Department of Health (MDCH) has issued an alert that influenza activity in the county has risen sharply in the past week. According to a press release posted on Patch.com, the county’s public‑health officials have been tracking the number of influenza cases reported by local hospitals, clinics, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) through the CDC‑sponsored National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). The data indicate that influenza activity is now “high” for the season – a status that signals the need for increased vigilance and prevention efforts among residents.

What the Numbers Mean

The MDCH’s summary of recent surveillance data shows that the rate of confirmed influenza cases has climbed to 12.3 per 100,000 residents, up from 9.7 per 100,000 a week ago. In addition, the county has reported 19 new influenza‑related hospitalizations, a 22 % increase from the previous week’s 15 admissions. While the absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to larger metropolitan areas, the relative increase is statistically significant and matches trends seen across the Midwest. The CDC’s own weekly Influenza Surveillance Report for the 2025‑26 season notes that “influenza activity has increased substantially in the Chicago‑area region,” with the same spike recorded in neighboring Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties.

MDCH’s data are broken down by age group and risk factor. The most striking uptick is among children 5‑12 years old (a 31 % rise), followed by adults aged 20‑39 (18 % increase). The department notes that individuals with chronic medical conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease—continue to experience higher rates of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and ICU admission. “We’re seeing a consistent pattern where people who are already medically vulnerable are more likely to become seriously ill when they contract the flu,” MDCH spokesperson Dr. Samantha Lee told Patch.

What’s Driving the Surge?

MDCH attributes the surge to a combination of factors:

1. Warming Temperatures – As the county transitions into late spring, influenza viruses can remain in circulation longer. The CDC’s “Flu Outlook” for May 2025 warns that “influenza season can extend into late summer in some areas, especially if temperatures remain mild.”

2. Increased Social Interaction – Many residents are returning to school, work, and community events after months of reduced activity due to COVID‑19 restrictions. “More people are gathering in close proximity,” Lee said. “That provides the virus with more opportunities to spread.”

3. Vaccination Gaps – While the overall flu‑vaccination rate in McHenry County is 53 %—above the national average of 48 %—certain subgroups lag behind. Data from the IDPH shows that only 38 % of adults aged 65 + have been vaccinated, compared to 68 % of adults under 18. “There is a critical need to close these gaps, especially among seniors and the chronically ill,” Lee emphasized.

Recommended Actions for Residents

MDCH urges all residents—especially those in high‑risk categories—to take the following steps to protect themselves and their families:

Dr. Lee highlighted that antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can significantly improve outcomes if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. “We are working with local providers to ensure that anyone who presents with flu‑like symptoms can receive a test and, if necessary, a prescription for antivirals promptly,” Lee said.

What MDCH Is Doing

MDCH is coordinating a multi‑agency response that includes:

• Community Outreach – The Department is partnering with schools, churches, and senior centers to distribute educational flyers and host vaccination drives. A “Flu‑Frenzy” mobile clinic will be parked at the McHenry County Fairgrounds from May 25‑31, offering free vaccines to anyone over 6 months old.

• Data Sharing – The county has signed a data‑sharing agreement with the IDPH to receive near‑real‑time updates on flu activity. These reports are made available to the public on the MDCH website every Monday.

• Emergency Preparedness – MDCH’s Emergency Operations Center has updated its influenza‑specific emergency plan, ensuring that hospitals are stocked with adequate antiviral supplies and that staff are trained on triage protocols.

• Public‑Health Messaging – Through its website, social‑media accounts, and local radio stations, the MDCH is broadcasting a series of short videos from healthcare providers explaining how the flu can be prevented and what to do if you suspect you have it.

Community Feedback

The Patch article includes several comments from local residents expressing both concern and gratitude. One parent, Maria Gomez, posted, “My kids are back in school and I’m worried about the flu. Thanks for the reminder to get vaccinated. I’ll schedule our family for the free clinic.” Another resident, Tom Reynolds, wrote, “I’m 70 and don’t have the flu shot yet. I’ll get it this week.” These responses underscore the public’s recognition of the seriousness of the issue and the utility of MDCH’s proactive measures.

Looking Ahead

According to the CDC’s most recent seasonal forecast, influenza activity is expected to peak in the third week of June. MDCH will continue to monitor surveillance data and will issue further alerts if activity rises or if hospitalization rates exceed thresholds. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking the MDCH website, following the county’s official social‑media accounts, and consulting the CDC’s monthly updates.

In closing, Dr. Samantha Lee reminds everyone that influenza is a preventable disease. “Vaccination, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick are simple steps that can make a huge difference for individuals and for our entire community,” she said. The MDCH hopes that these measures will keep McHenry County safe as the flu season progresses.

This summary is based on the Patch.com article “Flu activity high in McHenry County – MDCH” and incorporates data and statements from the MDCH, IDPH, and CDC referenced within that piece.