SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois public health officials are hoping to minimize the chances of what they call a “tri-demic.”
The season for respiratory virus; such as COVID-19, RSV, and the flu, is near. State Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arti Barnes says prevention can start with an annual flu shot.
“We are not seeing a lot of flu activity yet, but it’s important to protect yourself in advance. Because it takes about two weeks after you get the flu shot to build that immunity,” Barnes said.
In addition to the flu vaccine, there’s also a vaccine available for RSV. Barnes says it’s recommended for seniors 60 and older, and there’s monoclonal antibody shot for infants under eight months old.
She says it’s helpful to protect those 60 and over from hospitalization and potential death from RSV.
