While a seasonal uptick in respiratory viruses is expected in winter each year, we’re still seeing higher overall numbers than in previous seasons, Sundareshan said. Along with respiratory viruses, a “very contagious” stomach bug is also causing illnesses.

— The flu, caused by influenza viruses that are always changing, leads to fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and feeling tired. Flu symptoms tend to hit more quickly than cold symptoms, and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

“Norovirus outbreaks are increasing due to a rise in social gatherings and travel, particularly during the winter months,” Will County’s Chief Epidemiologist Alpesh Patel said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is asking residents to stay vigilant against the rise of norovirus. In a Facebook post on Monday, department officials said the virus is making its rounds across the state.

As illnesses continue to rise across Illinois, health officials are warning of the most common sicknesses spreading throughout the state.

Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, not sharing food and drinks, and washing and drying your clothing in high heat are your best bets to preventing this virus from getting in your system. "To prevent the virus from spreading, experts also recommend washing and drying clothes in a high-heat setting.

The CDC and IDPH have reported increased numbers of norovirus in Illinois and the country, with outbreaks occurring in Will County, and the Will County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

CHICAGO – Parents, beware: Kids are back in school and the virus known as the stomach flu is on the rise.

Norovirus outbreaks are on the rise, possibly due to more intermingling among people since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 91 outbreaks of norovirus, the formal name for the stomach bug, during the week of Dec. 5, 2024. That is up from 69 outbreaks ...

The U.S. is seeing a "quad-demic" as cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV and norovirus spread at the same time. Experts said this is what you need to know.

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