Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging residents to get their flu shots and use other preventative measures as the state’s influenza rate has climbed to “very high” in recent days.

That’s the most severe of the five categories of respiratory illness activity as defined by the CDC.

COVID-19 rates have also climbed to “moderate” levels in Illinois; and the state has reported its first pediatric influenza death this season.

IDPH’s Illinois Vaccination Coverage Dashboard shows just under 22 percent of Illinoisans have received their flu shot this season.

Other recommendations for prevention include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
• Stay home when ill or wear a mask if you cannot.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Minimize close contact with others.
• And use antiviral treatments when appropriate.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra says his agency is “monitoring the situation closely and working with our partners in public health and healthcare to protect Illinois families across the state”.

Log on to IDPH’s Infectious Respiratory Disease page for more information.