February 4, 2026 - As flu cases continue to rise, doctors are seeing a troubling increase in severe and sometimes life-threatening complications — particularly in children. 

While influenza is often dismissed as a routine seasonal illness, medical experts warn it can lead to infections that affect the lungs, brain, heart and other vital organs.

Mustafa Bakir, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, says the flu’s ability to damage the body’s natural defenses is what makes it especially dangerous.

Flu vaccination rates remain alarmingly low

January 20, 2026 - Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people becoming sick with influenza (flu) has drastically increased each respiratory illness season.

A major part of that, according to Mustafa Bakir, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, is due to extremely low vaccination rates.

How vaccines strengthen natural immunity

January 20, 2026 - When a child suddenly refuses to walk days after recovering from the flu, it can be terrifying for parents, but doctors say a little-known condition called viral myositis is often the cause.

It’s a muscle condition most often seen in children during or shortly after common viral infections, especially influenza (the flu). While the condition can be alarming for parents, medical experts say it is usually temporary and treatable with proper care.

Mustafa Bakir, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, explains the condition, and what parents should do if this happens with their kids.

How vaccines strengthen natural immunity

January 12, 2026 - For many adults, especially those who grew up in an era when measles, chickenpox or the flu were simply “childhood illnesses,” it can feel natural to believe that getting sick is how the body builds strong immunity.

While infection does contribute to the immune “library,” modern vaccines offer a safer, more reliable way to add to that protection without the risks of serious illness, hospitalization or long-term complications.

As flu activity surges across the U.S. this winter, experts emphasize that vaccines remain one of the strongest tools for maintaining health and preserving natural immunity over a lifetime. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, shares why vaccines are such a powerful tool. 

Respiratory illness update | Friday, January 9

January 9, 2026 - Respiratory illness activity continues to be high across Illinois and Michigan. Hospitalizations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 all increased ahead of the New Year. 

Data across the Ministry: 

More than 7,000 influenza tests were administered from 12/28 - 1/3 with a 23.3% positivity rate. 

Tests slightly decreased from the week before, along with the positivity rate - which was 30% the week prior.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to circulate throughout the region. Nearly 2,000 RSV swabs were administered between 12/28 - 1/3, with a 3.8% positivity rate. 

Roughly 5,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the above-mentioned time frame, with an 11.3% positivity rate for each of the last 2 weeks. 

In an effort to protect our patients, their family members and OSF Mission Partners - OSF will continue to offer complimentary masks to all guests and Mission Partners when entering any of our facilities. 

Visitor restrictions are in place, with a limit of two visitors 18 years of age or older, per patient at any time. Exceptions may be made for those under 18, as well as those in isolation for influenza-like illness, to promote the patient's emotional well-being. Exceptions may also be made for end-of-life or other extreme circumstances. 

As each situation may be unique and challenging, we graciously ask for patients to feel empowered and have a conversation with their OSF care team to discuss their situation.

Can't stop coughing?

January 6, 2026 - Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV.

Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger on the OSF Newsroom.

Staying healthy this holiday season

December 22, 2025 - Each winter, flu activity tends to rise just as families begin gathering for the holidays. This year is no exception. National surveillance data shows influenza circulating in many regions of the country, with ongoing activity expected through winter.

As travel, school breaks and holiday events increase, health experts emphasize planning ahead to stay well. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, shares tips for staying healthy this holiday season.

Scrub Smarter: Bathroom hygiene tips 

December 15, 2025 - Bathrooms are filled with germ-breeding objects, and your toilet isn’t the sole culprit. 

Showers, toothbrushes, soap dispensers and any surface can be added to the germy list, according to Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist RN with OSF HealthCare. Heinz offers some cleaning tips for the different areas of your bathroom that can be found on the OSF Newsroom.

Flu vaccine:

December 9, 2025 - Each flu season, families look for ways to protect themselves while juggling busy schedules – and for parents of children who fear needles, vaccinations can be especially challenging. This year brings a new, convenient option: a nasal spray flu vaccine that can be delivered directly to your home. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, speaks to the improvement in access, and decrease in anxiety for kids this provides. 

Outdoor safety:

December 2, 2025 - A good way to prevent winter illnesses is by staying safe outdoors. Maddy Draper, APRN, a provider at OSF OnCall, has tips about bundling up and more.

Hand hygiene:

November 25, 2025 - Emily Isom has a resolution for kids and their parents with holiday gatherings upon us: pledge to keep your hands clean and away from your face to prevent the spread of illness.

Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, often sees young people biting dirty fingernails and not washing their hands properly. She has a primer here.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD):

November 7, 2025 - One viral infection to pay close attention to this season is hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

HFMD typically impacts young children, but adults and older children can get it, too. It causes painful red blisters in the mouth and throat, and on the hands, feet, and diaper area. HFMD is most common in children who are in child care because young children need frequent diaper changes and help using the bathroom. They also tend to put their hands in their mouths.

Find more information about symptoms and treatment options here. 

RSV hospitalizations 2024: 

November 6, 2025 - There was a steep decline in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations among infants last RSV season, offering welcome relief this time around. Health officials point to the new vaccines and preventive antibodies as the driving force behind the turnaround.

Read about the stark drop in RSV hospitalizations in the full article here. 

COPD 2025:

November 4, 2025 - It’s something Michael Daley, MD, sees in the emergency department often and especially this time of year: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Dr. Daley, who provides care at OSF HealthCare, says while there’s no cure for COPD, medicine has come a long way to improve your quality of life with the disease.

Read the full story here.

Pneumonia 2025:

November 3, 2025 - Pneumonia.

It’s a hard enough word to spell, let alone remember how to prevent and treat it. With respiratory illness season here, it’s time for a reminder about how to avoid this possibly deadly condition.

Read the full story with OSF emergency department physician Fred Burke here.

Viral sore throat vs. bacterial sore throat: 

October 22, 2025 - With temperatures cooling, Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, says we’re approaching the peak season for sore throats. Many cases have time-tested treatments, but some can have serious complications.

Dr. Alyami says a sore throat is an infection that causes inflammation in your throat. They’re annoying and painful, bringing symptoms like difficulty swallowing or talking and swelling of glands and tonsils. Causes can include tonsil stones, heartburn and allergies. But most commonly, causes break down into two groups: viral and bacterial.

Viral sore throat symptoms:

• Often comes with coughing or a runny nose
• May occur with cold, flu, or COVID-like symptoms
• Usually mild and can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medicine

Bacterial (strep throat) symptoms:

• Sore throat with fever
• White patches on the back of the throat or tonsils
• May cause neck swelling in more serious cases
• More common in children
• Needs medical treatment to prevent complications like dehydration

Read the full story here. 

Respiratory distress in sick children:

October 7, 2025 – Respiratory distress can develop quickly in children, often from viral infections like RSV or influenza. Knowing when to seek care is vital, says Dr. Kelsey Grimes, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. “During work-time hours, you can call your pediatrician’s office and try to get a same-day appointment,” she says, noting that emergency care or 9-1-1 may be needed in severe cases. From using nasal saline and humidifiers at home to recognizing emergency signs, proactive steps help parents protect their children’s health. Read the full story here. 

Full guide to the 2025 flu, COVID-19 and RSV season (original article): 

September 15, 2025 – Across the board, late 2024 to early 2025 was recognized as a “rough” respiratory illness season.

“It was the season we had been predicting for five years, and we had a conjoining of three diseases," says Brian Curtis, MD, vice president chief medical officer for OSF Medical Group, part of OSF HealthCare, headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza and COVID-19 were all heavily circulating communities in the winter months, all at the same time.

This puts a tremendous strain on the entire medical system for so many people to all get sick at once, Dr. Curtis adds. From a clinic setting, to an emergency department (ED) setting and everything in between, an influx of patients at the same time can impact how quickly people can be seen for other health concerns. 

Dr. Curtis says the 2024 respiratory illness season had reverted to a traditional pattern of RSV and Influenza circulating in the fall and winter months which is a "normal" respiratory illness season. Influenza started circulating in October and November and peaked in January and February (2025). RSV "reared its head" in the late winter, Dr. Curtis adds, which is generally expected. Along with COVID circulating through the same period. The confluence of these three viruses made a difficult busy respiratory season.

How does this impact the 2025-2026 season? 

"You don't know," Dr. Curtis points out.

There are a few key factors to pay attention to which will help paint the picture over time.

-          How effective the influenza vaccine is

-          How many people receive the flu vaccine

"Flu vaccines are ready. So, if you're ready, we're ready. People can start getting it now, and I'd recommend getting it by the end of October," Dr. Curtis says.

You can schedule an office visit through OSF MyChart to receive a vaccine at any OSF Medical Group – Primary Care location, or by visiting an OSF OnCall Urgent Care or OSF PromptCare walk-in clinic. You can also be seen at these locations for several health concerns like viral illnesses. OSF OnCall Urgent Care also offers the option to make a reservation ahead of time but also accepts walk-in patients.

-          How many high-risk individuals receive the RSV vaccine

There are two one-time RSV vaccines. The adult vaccine, which is a vaccine in the traditional sense, for people who are high-risk. This is supposed to help train your immune system to recognize and fight off certain viruses or bacteria, without getting severely ill.

Those who can receive the shot include pregnant women (who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant who will deliver during the RSV season), all people 65 and older, and those 50 and older who have serious health conditions such as chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, severe diabetes and a weakened immune system. 

The second vaccine is for very young kids, and it's a monoclonal antibody, which is a lab-made protein that works like natural antibodies and helps your body fight infections. It's called Beyfortus® (nirsevimab-alip). It's an injection for babies under 8 months of age entering their first RSV season.

If your child has serious health challenges like being on oxygen, having heart issues or lung issues, you might want to consider having your child receive nirsevimab into their second RSV season as well. But Dr. Curtis says to speak with your health care provider, as each situation can be unique. 

-          How members of the public respond when they are sick

Besides receiving your vaccines, hand washing, staying home when sick and covering your cough are three tips Dr. Curtis gives to not spread your germs to others. Last year, Dr. Curtis adds, people were returning to pre-pandemic behaviors such as returning to work in person while sick, which causes viruses to spread more rapidly. 

Flu vaccine myth

Dr. Curtis advises it’s never too late to receive your flu vaccine.

“If it's December or January and you haven't gotten it, you can still get it. It's still worthwhile and beneficial for you to do that. So don't think 'it's halfway through the season why bother now?' Flu doesn't care where it's in the season and it doesn't care who you are."

It's a myth to think that if you get your flu vaccine early, it won't protect you for the whole season. Dr. Curtis says that's just not true. 

What mild symptoms look like (and what to do)

Most mild cases of respiratory illnesses like RSV, COVID-19, influenza and rhinovirus or enterovirus (common cold) can be taken care of in the comfort of your own home.

"That could be a low-grade fever, cough, congestion and body aches." Dr. Curtis advises, "Tylenol and Motrin can be used, if your health circumstances allow for it, and then drinking fluids and having plenty of rest is the care for that."

Seeking medical care from a health care professional, in any type of setting, is not needed for people with mild symptoms. 

However, there are times when serious medical attention is required.

When it’s time to be seen by a medical provider

• Trouble breathing
• Unable to keep liquids down
• Fever not responding to Tylenol or Motrin
• People not acting like themselves mentally
• Serious illness lasting more than 7 days with no signs of improvement

What steps can you take now?

"The best thing you can do is take care of yourself and make sure your body is the healthiest it can be. That means prioritizing exercise, sleeping, eating right and limiting your intake of alcohol. Not taking care of your body can wear down your system and leave you susceptible to getting infections,” Dr. Curtis says.

OSF OnCall offers virtual options for patients to get care 24/7 through its Virtual Urgent Care. The appointment generally takes 5-10 minutes and gets sick patients a treatment plan within 30 minutes. No appointment is needed.

Video Interview Clips

But inside these new and exciting things also lie dangerous pieces parents and caregivers need to keep an eye on. Things such as batteries and magnets, both small and shiny, are potentially life-threatening objects.

Guidance for gift-giving

"In buying gifts for your kids, I'd look for toys that don't have parts that come apart. If they have a battery component, make sure it's screwed in," says Tinsley Anderson, MD, a pediatric surgeon with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. "That way you're not changing the battery, and, in a year from now, your kid probably won't want the toy anyway." 

The small, round batteries that come in kids’ toys are particularly problematic, Dr. Anderson says. She adds they can easily get stuck in the esophagus and cause a burn injury. When a kid swallows a battery like this, surgery is needed.

"Your mucus and moisture in your body completes the battery's circuit, so the battery is activated, causing an alkaline burn," Dr. Anderson says. “It causes a coagulative necrosis, which is when your tissue starts to dissolve. It can create holes, and when it heals, it can create narrowing that causes lifelong problems.”

Warning signs to look for

• Drooling
• Unable to swallow
• Unable to eat 
• Belly pain 
• If an item is missing and you think your child might have eaten it

"Things that are particularly concerning are if they're drooling, they can't swallow or eat. There can be items lodged in the airways that can be a surgical emergency. If they're having trouble swallowing, there can be things stuck in their esophagus that aren't getting past," Dr. Anderson says. 

Another potentially life-threatening danger in toys is magnets. They're shiny and can come in all sorts of colors, but Dr. Anderson says they can stick to each other once inside the abdomen and create holes from one side to the other. This can lead to surgery where a child can lose part of their intestine. 

When considering what to buy for a younger child, pay attention to the warning labels, which should indicate what ages are appropriate to play with the toy. A 2018 study by The Toy Association showed many parents ignore age labels on toys and for those who do read them, about 97% ignore them. The study points out crucial age labels are important for child safety and are based on a child’s developmental abilities.

If a child is choking, do the Heimlich maneuver to try and dislodge the item. Dr. Anderson still recommends taking your child to the emergency department afterward in case a piece of the item is still located in the body. Never just sweep your finger around in the child's mouth, as this can get the item stuck even more.

Water beads: Another concern

Over the last few years, Dr. Anderson says her colleagues across the country have come in contact with a newer toy that’s causing quite the commotion: water beads. They’re colorful, tiny and expand when exposed to water. If a water bead expands once it’s inside someone’s body, it can cause bowel obstruction, which leads to needing surgery as well.

If a child swallows a lithium or button battery, it’s best to call the nearest emergency department and let them know you’re taking your child there for a life-threatening emergency. All OSF HealthCare emergency departments offer X-ray services that will tell the medical team exactly what the item is and where it’s located. “A coin is much different than a button battery,” Dr. Anderson points out.

Read this patient story about how a child required life-saving surgery after swallowing a button battery.

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Traveling through an airport is stressful for many families, but for breastfeeding mothers, it can be especially overwhelming. A new law aims to change that by improving how the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handles breast milk, pumping supplies and formula at security checkpoints.

The bipartisan-supported BABES (Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening) Enhancement Act recently signed into law was co-sponsored by Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.

Becky Miller, RN, CLC, lactation counselor for OSF HealthCare, says legislation has long been needed to help parents move through security more quickly while ensuring breast milk and related supplies are handled safely.

“We can make sure of the safe handling of breast milk and their pumping supplies are happening. We can make sure they can get through safely, quickly and parents don’t have to worry about the stress of traveling and can get to where they want to go to safely.”

Miller says legislative hearings on the legislation featured stories from breastfeeding moms.

“They’ve had to be pulled aside from other people. They put test strips down in their milk and wonder, ‘Has my milk just been contaminated?’ Is it still safe?’ Even formula-fed babies – they do that to the water to make sure there’s nothing in it.” She adds, “So, these things and getting better policies for safe handling is the best part of this legislation.”

Law adds accountability

The legislation also requires TSA to regularly update its screening guidance for breast milk and infant nutrition items, develop that guidance in consultation with maternal health experts, and apply the rules to both TSA officers and private security contractors. It also calls for a federal audit to review compliance and report findings to Congress, creating oversight and accountability if procedures aren’t followed.

Miller points out the new law reflects how attitudes toward breastfeeding have changed in recent years, as it has become more widely accepted and supported in public spaces and with the growth of online communities to support breastfeeding moms. She observes the law helps ensure federal policy finally aligns with society’s values by protecting breastfeeding families in real-world situations such as airport travel.

Avoiding stressful travel is also so important, Miller shares, for postpartum moms who often have mental health struggles.

“They probably have a crying baby in their arm, a 2-year-old maybe next to them who’s not holding still – those are awful experiences for a mom who probably doesn’t ever want to travel again. So hopefully this new legislation will help parents and families be able to go make memories as a family and not have to worry about those stresses that they had before.”

The new law comes at a critical time, with packed terminals and heightened anxiety for new parents this holiday travel season. But Miller suggests that while the legislation is designed to protect and support breastfeeding mothers, there might still be some growing pains as it rolls out nationwide.

“With this being a new legislation, we do worry that not all airports have probably had all of their TSA members gone through education. There still may be some little difficulties or little hiccups here or there but I do hope every family that is traveling this holiday season is able to have a successful and happy trip.”

Here is more information about breastfeeding support available at OSF HealthCare.

Video with Becky Miller

B-roll-Breastfeeding moms at airports

As travel, school breaks and holiday events increase, health experts emphasize planning ahead to stay well.

Navigating flu season during the holidays

“We're in a unique part of the year. We had Thanksgiving and we're going into the Christmas and New Year holiday. We have schools on breaks and people traveling,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “We notice nationwide that when there's viral activity on the coasts, it will eventually find its way into every part of the area, which includes Central Illinois.”

Health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are also urging families to stay alert to flu symptoms and take steps to protect themselves.

Flu vaccine helps preserve normal routines

For many families, staying healthy during the holidays means protecting not only themselves but also older adults, infants and immunocompromised relatives.

“People will start to travel and be around older and younger family members as families congregate. We want people to protect themselves but also be able to enjoy those activities without getting sick,” Dr. Kasper says. “It's also a time where kids are bringing home infections from school. So, we want our kids to be in school and participate in activities. Anything we can offer them to help keep them in their normal routine is beneficial, which includes flu vaccines for our children.”

Flu vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and disruption, which is especially important for school-aged children whose attendance affects the whole household.

When you're sick, staying at home matters

While vaccination reduces risk, the flu can still spread quickly – especially in places where people gather. That’s why knowing when to stay home remains essential.

“If you are sick, you need to stay home. Especially in our school populations, it's hard when a child is sick. Maybe they're borderline and you don't know how sick they are, it's hard to remain home,” Dr. Kasper says. “We see a lot of infections that start at the level where we congregate. Whether that's at school or a medical facility, it will find its way into our homes. So, the way to try and address that is that if you're sick, particularly if you have a fever, is to stay home. At least be without a fever for 24 hours before resuming normal activity.”

Public health agencies echo this guidance, advising families to keep children home from school when they have a fever, vomiting, severe cough or other flu-like symptoms.

Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and vary from person to person. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle or body aches
• Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
• Headache
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sometimes a sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Fever and body aches often last for three to seven days. Cough and fatigue may last for two weeks or more.

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As dinner plates get filled this holiday season, it’s important to decide what to, and what not to add to your meal.

Health experts say moderation is key.

“Make sure you choose a little bit of everything you want and savor those foods you enjoy. Don’t fill your plate with foods you don’t like to eat,” says OSF HealthCare registered dietitian Sara Umphfleet. “When referring to moderation, also think about alcohol. It’s typically one drink for women and two drinks for men is the definition of moderation. It’s important that if you’re going to have alcohol, to have a glass of water every time you have a drink, because alcohol can really dehydrate you.”

Surrounded by holiday staples like turkey, casseroles, stuffing and more, it’s an easy time to overeat and break any healthy eating habits. Umphfleet shares some ways you can combat this.

“If you know it’s going to be some time after breakfast before you have a Thanksgiving meal, I recommend people have a healthy snack,” Umphfleet says. “Something like yogurt or nuts and some fruit to go with it. Then you’re not overeating at your Thanksgiving meal.”

Umphfleet says healthy eating choices on Thanksgiving Day need to start in the morning.

“You have to have a balanced breakfast with protein and carbohydrates. This can be something like whole grain toast with peanut butter. Choose a hard-boiled egg or scrambled eggs and have some berries,” Umphfleet says. “We know people tend to overeat if they don’t have breakfast in the morning.”

While that relative you haven’t seen since last Thanksgiving might have whipped up that casserole dish you secretly dislike, Umphfleet says it’s important to only fill up your plate with foods you do like.

“I don’t necessarily focus on what we shouldn’t be eating, but what we should be eating. It’s good to survey your table before you sit down and eat. Take a look at what is on the table, especially if you’re doing a buffet, potluck style. Choose healthier options like extra vegetables, corn, peas and potatoes. Make sure you have appropriate portion sizes. Also fill your plate up with a meat product,” she says.

The battle for healthy eating doesn’t end at the conclusion of the Thanksgiving feast. Now you have a new problem on your hands, leftovers. And while you may usually use the eye and smell test for leftovers in the fridge, there are some important safety tips to keep in mind.

“It’s very important that leftovers should only be saved roughly three to four days. They need to be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees,” Umphfleet says. “One in 6 Americans each year get food borne illness or food poisoning according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”

The holidays are also a common time for kitchen fires. For Thanksgiving, you may be using the stove, microwave and oven simultaneously.

“With stovetop fires, you’ll want to take a lid and cover the fire and turn the stovetop off,” Umphfleet says. “It’s important that if you’re cooking things on the stove or in the oven, that you don’t leave them. You need to be attentive and stay nearby. Make sure you don’t have things out and about next to your stove such as potholders, oven mitts and wrappings. You need to move everything out of the way when you’re cooking. If you have something like an oven fire, you need to turn the oven off and keep the door closed. It’s the same with your microwaves, turn it off and keep the door closed until everything cools.”

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When kids are in school and loved ones are gathering for the holidays, viruses tend to make the rounds. 

One common virus in school-age children is RSV.

What is RSV?

“RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a respiratory illness that can impact anyone of any age around the world,” says Kinnera Are, MD, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare. “In our population, the most at-risk would be infants and children under 2 years of age.”

How is RSV spread?

“It’s spread by nasal secretions, coughing, and sneezing respiratory droplets. It does tend to increase around the holiday season,” Dr. Are says,” because we’re around other people and we’re in gatherings with family and friends.”

How do we protect ourselves from RSV?

“Stay home if you’re not feeling well and you’re spreading respiratory droplets. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and frequently,” Dr. Are adds. “School-age kids tend to be the most hard-hit of all these kids, only because they’re around other children. The biggest way we can protect those kids in the winter is teaching good hand hygiene, making sure we’re teaching them to wash their hands really well.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two RSV vaccines for adults 60 years and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults in this age range should speak with their medical provider about if the vaccine is right for them.

Additionally, the FDA also approved two options for infants and toddlers. The CDC has signed off on a monoclonal antibody for all infants up to 8 months old, born during their first RSV season. If your child is at high risk for severe disease or severely immunocompromised, they can receive the antibody between 8 and 19 months.

Lastly, an RSV vaccine for pregnant women has been approved. Check with your medical provider about availability. The hope would be for the vaccine to provide pregnant women with antibodies they could pass to the fetus and protect newborn babies from birth to 6 months from severe RSV.

How can kids build immunity against viruses?

Two main ways: Healthy sleeping and healthy eating.

RSV is a virus and tends to just need to run its course. Dr. Are says while there is no prescription medicine to treat RSV, there are multiple over-the-counter solutions that can minimize the symptoms.

“We recommend Tylenol or ibuprofen for fevers and fussiness. Kids can have honey for those with a cough, as long as they’re over 1 year of age. Also make sure to have kids blow their noses and suction out the liquid from their noses if they have congestion or a runny nose,” Dr. Are adds.

Who else is at higher risk of RSV?

“The elderly and pregnant women are at higher risk for having more severe RSV infections,” Dr. Are says. “In children, the other populations that would be more at risk is anyone born premature, babies born during this RSV winter season, and anyone that has breathing problems or heart problems.”

Dr. Are says RSV can last anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks.

OSF OnCall offers a remote patient monitoring program for infants and toddlers with RSV and other respiratory viruses. The no-cost service connects those at home with medical specialists virtually, providing education and digital prompts to discuss signs/symptoms over a 10-day period.

The OSF OnCall RSV program is available to anyone in Illinois or Michigan. Patients must have a positive RSV test or diagnosis to qualify. To learn more about the program, click here.

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Shiny new toys will be lying under many Christmas trees this season, sure to bring joy to kids around the world. 

But inside these things also lie dangerous pieces parents and others need to keep an eye on. 

Things such as batteries and magnets, both small and shiny, are potentially life-threatening objects. 

Tinsley Anderson, MD, a pediatric surgeon with OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, calls small, round batteries “particularly problematic.” Saying they can easily get stuck in the esophagus and cause a burn injury. 

When a child swallows a battery like this, surgery is needed.

"In buying gifts for your kids, I'd look for toys that don't have parts that come apart. If they have a battery component, make sure it's screwed in," Dr. Anderson says. "That way you're not changing the battery, and in a year from now, your kid probably won't want the toy anyway." 

Dr. Anderson says mucus and moisture inside the body completes the battery's circuit, activating the battery and causing an alkaline burn. 

She says warning warning signs to look out for if your kid swallowed a battery, is if they're drooling, unable to swallow or eat, have belly pain, or if an item is missing and you think your child might have eaten it. 

It's crucial to head straight to the emergency room to be checked.

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But the holiday season can also be a time that heightens unwanted stress. 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) – nearly 90% of people feel some stress during the holidays for several reasons. Finances, the death of a loved one and potentially family conflict. 

This year could be especially tough given the recent presidential election. APA research found the election was a major stress point for 69% of people who responded.

Before coming together this year, Therasa Yehling says families should have a plan. Yehling is the manager of OSF Strive's Trauma Recovery Center in Rockford, Illinois and a licensed social worker. 

“Let's talk about fun things. Let's talk about how your kids are doing, how your parents are doing. Really talking about things that bring people together. I think that's important to concentrate on," Yehling says. 

If your family has engaged in heated discussions during past holidays, reevaluate your plan. Maybe this year you decide to only spend a couple of hours at your gathering, instead of all day.

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The viruses have come and gone in waves. In the late fall, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was spreading quickly through younger children and older adults. Fast forward to the present day, COVID-19 is once again the main antagonist, while influenza remains in the community as well.

“RSV cases have steadily down trended over the last month ago. Concurrently, we’ve seen an increase in influenza activity. Influenza activity is also seasonal, and was expected to happen during this period,” says Douglas Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “Influenza cases have also taken a downturn over the last two weeks. Typically, we will see a second spike of flu cases in March and April, so it’s not too late to get your flu shot.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Tracker indicated that Illinois was at a medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations through the week ending January 13^th.

Dr. Kasper is also the section head of infectious disease at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria. He says COVID-19 cases are making the rounds throughout OSF hospitals across the communities OSF serves, in large part due to holiday gatherings, travel and kids going back to school.

“When we talked about COVID-19 in the beginning, we were worried about very severe infections,” Dr. Kasper says. “Fortunately, that has diminished significantly. We still do see people in the hospital, particularly those who are the most vulnerable, that can have difficult times clearing COVID infection. But for the majority of the population who are getting infected, most people are on their second, third, or even more number of times being infected. The severity of symptoms seems to be less than prior infection, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t disrupt their life.”

Dr. Kasper says the best way to protect yourself against severe infection is still the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Vaccination remains the best tool. We know you can still become infected after becoming vaccinated, but the benefit of the vaccine is lessening the severity of symptoms and returning to whatever activity you have planned,” he says.

The current COVID-19 vaccine is not a booster, as some may think. It’s a reformulated vaccine that’s considered to be separate, as far as the COVID-19 strains it covers, according to Dr. Kasper.

“If you’ve received a few COVID-19 shots in 2021 or 2022, you got a booster and you felt like this was a reiteration of that, it’s a little different. That’s the benefit of at least one more COVID vaccine,” Dr. Kasper says. “It adds to the library of immunity in our population. Something that’s different than just boosting over and over again.”

Another tool available to stop the spread of COVID-19 is testing. Free tests are available at COVID.gov. At least four tests can be shipped to your home, free of charge. Dr. Kasper says this is a great way for people with mild symptoms to have peace of mind, and not spread the virus to others if they are positive.

“Testing for COVID-19 is unique. It can be done rapidly; it can be done at home. It does lend some information, as well, if you’re going to be hosting people or traveling where you may want to make others aware if you tested positive,” Dr. Kasper says. “If you’re feeling ill, and you take a test, try to rest and stay at home from work until you’re feeling better. Then, whatever period of infectiousness you’ve had will have passed by that point.”

For more severe cases of COVID-19, Dr. Kasper says Paxlovid has become a widespread option for patients.

“Paxlovid is a combination of two antiviral medications,” Dr. Kasper says. “They work to kill the virus. They terminate the virus from replicating, that’s all they do. They don’t modify your immune system or do anything to your blood cells or modify any other part of your body.  When you have a viral infection and you want to take an antiviral medication, you want to stop the virus from creating new copies of itself. Also, you want to do that as early as possible.”

Dr. Kasper says Paxlovid, and other antiviral medications, are available for positive COVID-19 patients through OSF PromptCare, OSF OnCall Urgent Care, and primary care locations so you don’t have to visit the emergency room. He adds that Tamiflu is often used when people are having a more severe flu case.

OSF HealthCare offers telehealth options that are available by phone or computer. You can talk quickly to an OSF OnCall medical provider at osfoncall.org/virtualvisit. They can walk you through your symptoms and provide a treatment plan and medication if needed.

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