Blacks in Chicago make up the majority of the rising emergency flu cases in the city, according to data from the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The data, updated January 5, show that since October 1, Blacks made up 48.7 percent or 55 of all 113 flu cases that led to ICU hospitalizations in Chicago.
Latinos have the second highest number of cases with 23.9 percent or 27 flu cases, compared to 21.2 percent for 24 White hospital patients. Asian residents had the lowest infection rate at just 2.7 percent.
In the most recent week ending January 5, there were 23 people hospitalized with the flu virus, including 10 Blacks, health data show. That’s 43.5 percent of last week’s cases alone.
Public data show 39.1 percent of flu cases occurred in patients 65 years or older. The age with the second highest infection rate was between 50 and 64. Health data show 30.4 percent of all people who were hospitalized with the virus were in that age range.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The CDC estimates that since 2010, the flu caused as many as 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2022.
How the flu spreads
CDC officials said most experts believe flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that had been infected by the virus and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
Who is most likely to get sick with flu?
A recent study found that children are most likely to get sick from flu and that people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from flu. Median incidence values (or attack rate) by age group were 9.3 percent for children 0-17 years, 8.8 percent for adults 18-64 years, and 3.9 percent for adults 65 years and older. This means that children younger than 18 are more than twice as likely to develop a symptomatic flu virus infection, than adults 65 and older.
Flu vaccination the best remedy
Health officials said getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect oneself against influenza infection. Health officials also recommend individuals getting vaccinated in September or October. However, health officials stress that vaccinations should continue throughout the season as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
According to the CDC, the exact timing and duration of flu seasons varies, but flu activity often begins to increase in October. Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although significant activity can last as late as May.
Chicagoans should ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist about vaccine availability. For those without a healthcare provider or whose healthcare providers do not have the influenza vaccine, a schedule of City of Chicago influenza vaccination clinics is available on the city website and by calling 311.
