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COVID, flu and RSV: These key symptoms can help you tell the difference
Cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza have climbed throughout the country in recent weeks, causing a heightened level of concern and an uptick in hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 35 states were experiencing “high” levels of respiratory illness activity as of late December. Emergency room visits for the three illnesses combined rose 8.1%…
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Health officials monitoring rise in respiratory illnesses this winter
Health officials across the country are monitoring a rise in respiratory illnesses this winter, NBC Chicago’s Lauren Petty reports.
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How long is RSV contagious? What you should know as respiratory illnesses spread
As colder weather sets in across much of the country, many communities are experiencing a rise in respiratory illness, leading to an influx of patients at hospitals, doctors’ offices and other health care facilities. “High” or “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity have been reported in 17 states, though not Illinois and Indiana, newly-released data from the Centers for…
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Chicago doctors share their top advice for attending holiday parties as COVID spreads
Christmas is near, and that means it’s time for festive markets, dazzling lights display, and of course, holiday parties. Whether you’re planning to attend a gathering hosted by your employer or a party with friends or family, doctors are urging precautions in wake of a rise in respiratory illnesses. “…What we’re seeing right now in Chicago doesn’t come as...
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Illinois recommends masks in health care settings as respiratory infections climb
In response to an uptick in respiratory infections, the Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday issued guidance urging that masks are worn in certain areas of health care facilities.
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Health officials urge public to get vaccinated ahead of holidays
With RSV, COVID-19 and influenza all circulating, health officials are encouraging the public to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays, NBC Chicago’s Lauren Petty reports.
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Illinois, 14 other US states report illnesses linked to cantaloupes infected with salmonella
U.S. health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain whole and cut cantaloupes and pre-cut fruit products linked to an outbreak of salmonella poisoning.
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Interview: It's RSV Season. What do we need to know?
Medical professionals are sounding the alarm about a concerning surge in RSV cases, emphasizing the strain on hospitals and ICUs. Dr. Julie Holland is the vice president for pediatric primary care with the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance and is the head of general pediatrics for the Advocate Children’s Hospital and Northshore University Health Systems.
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Community organizations teaming up to bring health care to Chicago's new arrivals
Local organizations are teaming up to help provide medical care to recently arriving migrants in Chicago, NBC Chicago’s Lauren Petty reports.
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Chicago community organizations team up to provide health care for migrants
Ismael and Ismel, two brothers from Venezuela, recently saw a doctor for the first time since arriving in Chicago two months ago. Their mother, Maria Magdelena Andarra, said the trip to the U.S. was not easy. “They really haven’t suffered a medical situation, thank God for that, she said,” stated Yolanda Peña, founder of Life Impacters Foundation, who helped...
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Looking for a mental health boost? You might want to try birdwatching
Often seen as an activity for older people, birding is truly for all ages, according to Matt Igleski of the Chicago Bird Alliance.
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Looking for a mental health boost? You might want to try birdwatching
While fall temperatures have arrived, it’s not too late in the season to try birdwatching. And if you’re looking to boost your mood, you might want to take part. NBC 5’s Health and Wellness Reporter Lauren Petty has the story.
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RSV vaccine recommended for pregnant women, infants and seniors. Here's what to know
With the fall respiratory virus season beginning, the Illinois Department of Public Health is urging RSV shots for pregnant women, infants and seniors across the state in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. IDPH on Friday endorsed a recommendation by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices that approved the RSV vaccine for women...
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First human case of West Nile Virus reported in Lake County this year
Public health officials have confirmed the year’s first human case of West Nile virus in north suburban Lake County. In a news release, the Lake County Health Department on Friday said that a Lake County resident in their 60s became ill in early September. While most people infected with West Nile don’t exhibit symptoms, some do become sick three...
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Non-profit devoted to helping military, first responders struggling with PTSD plans stair climb fundraiser
A local non-profit is looking to help military, veterans and first responders overcome their mental health challenges by fighting the stigma against post-traumatic stress disorder and filling the gaps in care. As first responders, Mary Kreiner and Christine Brzoska know that sometimes taking that first step is the hardest. “Reaching out is not easy, and especially when you’re a...
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Fall vaccines: Here's what to know about RSV, flu and COVID booster shots, plus when you can get them
Within the next few weeks, several vaccines will become available to help keep you and your loved ones healthy over this fall and winter season, a time when viruses tend to hit the hardest, NBC Chicago’s Lauren Petty reports.
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Fall vaccines: Here's what to know about RSV, flu and COVID booster shots, plus when you can get them
Within the next few weeks, several vaccines will become available to help keep you and your loved ones healthy over this fall and winter season, a time when viruses tend to hit the hardest.
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New RSV shot for babies given green light by CDC. Here's what parents need to know
Babies under 8 months old should be given a recently approved shot to protect them against respiratory syncytial virus, an infection that sickens tens of thousands of U.S. children each year, according to health officials.
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2 Chicago hospitals make US News & World Report's Best Hospitals in America list
Two Chicago hospitals have been recognized as among the best hospitals in the nation, according to a report released Tuesday morning.
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As WHO classifies the sugar substitute in Diet Coke a carcinogen, here's how much aspartame is safe
Questions have surfaced online regarding the safety of aspartame after the World Health Organization moved to categorize the common artificial sweetener as a possible carcinogen earlier this week.