Sepsis remains one of the nation's most persistent health challenges, affecting an estimated 1.7 million Americans annually and contributing to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s the third-leading cause of deaths in U.S. hospitals.

Most recently, sepsis was considered a contributing factor to the death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch, who died at age 41. According to Leon Yeh, MD, an OSF HealthCare leader involved in sepsis prevention efforts, Busch had symptoms of sepsis, but hospital treatment was delayed too long.

Dr. Yeh stresses one of the most important lessons clinicians have learned is that treatment cannot wait for complete answers.

"I think it took some time for our people to understand that you didn't need to know exactly where the sepsis was coming from before you treated it," says Dr. Yeh. "The standard now is to administer broad-spectrum antibiotics. You cast a wide net for anything that could be causing this condition, and then you sort it out later." 

Early intervention saves lives

Dr. Yeh explains that rapid intervention is critical because delays can have deadly consequences.

"The early literature on sepsis showed that with each hour of delay in antibiotics, there was a measurable increased mortality. That's why it's so important to get treatment early." 

Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the body's dysregulated response to an infection. While pneumonia and urinary tract infections account for most cases, virtually any infection can trigger the condition, including minor cuts and scrapes that are not cleaned well.

Hospitals have increasingly focused on identifying those most at risk and responding more quickly. Advanced surveillance tools monitor patient vital signs and laboratory results, generating alerts when warning signs appear. However, technology alone is not enough.

Success depends on helping nurses and physicians move quickly once an alert is triggered.

OSF has been on a journey to address the sepsis challenge. In 2018, OSF Advanced Analytics division developed a pioneering predictive model, which outperformed other models at the time, that helped establish a foundation for sepsis detection efforts across the organization. In 2024, OSF built on that work when leaders implemented Epic’s Sepsis 2.0 model within the health system’s electronic health record. The system leverages ongoing data updates and evaluates more than 80 clinical variables from millions of patients to generate risk estimates every 20 minutes, supporting timely clinical decision-making. Still, Dr. Yeh notes that no predictive model alone is 100% accurate at detecting sepsis.

Reducing hospital-acquired infections is key

Nearly 85% of people with sepsis arrive at the emergency department with the life-threatening condition. The rest develop sepsis while being treated in the hospital. OSF, along with other health systems, is also working to reduce hospital-acquired infections that can lead to sepsis. Efforts have focused on minimizing the use of invasive devices whenever possible.

"We've made great strides in that over the past few years to help reduce hospital-acquired infections, either by central lines or urinary catheters, for instance," Dr. Yeh says. "There are many interventions that we've put in place, from education toward bundles and best practices, both for providers and nurses." 

One particularly effective strategy, the physician noted, is avoiding unnecessary procedures altogether.

"I think one intervention that's really notable is that we recognize it's hard to get an infection from lines that you don't place. If we can prevent placing a central line and prevent placing Foley [urinary] catheters, then those are infections that we naturally won't get." 

Dr. Yeh says OSF also has implemented safeguards within its order for Foley catheters that require valid justification and include an auto discontinue after 48 hours that can only be overridden with proper medical necessity documentation.

Something else to consider – people who are older with chronic conditions such as diabetes, or are immunocompromised, Dr. Yeh says, are more susceptible to infections and need to pay more attention when symptoms develop.

“If you get a cut or scrape, monitor those things. Certainly, good local wound care and maybe an urgent care visit would be smart … seeing your doctor. But, if things start to get out of control, meaning if you develop systemic symptoms where you feel ill or you’re running a fever, that’s not normal. That means there’s spreading going on so that’s when you really need to pay more attention,” he recommends. 

Post-sepsis syndrome can occur

For people who survive sepsis, recovery can continue long after discharge. There is a condition known as post-sepsis syndrome, which can affect individuals physically, mentally and psychologically.

“And it can be really hard to get back to where you were pre-illness,” according to Dr. Yeh. "Things like chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, as well as brain fog and trouble concentrating – those can all be symptoms that linger well after the hospitalization.” 

The length of time symptoms can persist depends on a patient's age, overall health before sepsis and severity of illness.

While some people experience prolonged recovery, Dr. Yeh emphasizes that most survivors eventually regain their previous level of function. In the future, Dr. Yeh sees a post-sepsis initiative at OSF, but for now the focus includes reducing hospital infections beyond current rates, which have been reduced in the past five years.

The overarching message for both clinicians and patients is to recognize symptoms early and act quickly. In the fight against sepsis, speed remains one of the most effective treatments available.

Video clips with Dr. Leon Yeh

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

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.

“If the virus destroys the mucosal sites, they can go wherever they aren't supposed to,” Dr. Bakir says. “Like the ears,” adding that ear infections happen in roughly 3% of patients.

How the flu leads to serious complications

Influenza disrupts the mucosal barriers that line the respiratory tract, which normally act as the body’s first line of defense. Once compromised, bacteria and viruses can spread beyond the nose and throat, triggering widespread inflammation and secondary infections.

“Influenza is one of the severe viral illnesses in small kids and all vulnerable patients who are immunocompromised or have chronic diseases,” Dr. Bakir says.

Among hospitalized flu patients, complications are common.

“Looking at the complication rates in admitted patients with influenza; up to one third of them are going to have severe pneumonia,” Dr. Bakir says. “Up to 10% of them will have some neurological symptoms and diseases. A common one is febrile seizures.”

Brain infections and neurological risks

During the 2024–2025 respiratory illness season, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 109 cases of encephalitis in children nationwide — a serious brain infection linked to influenza. Three of those cases were treated at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Illinois.

Encephalitis can lead to long-term brain damage or death. Some cases are classified as pediatric influenza-associated encephalopathy or acute necrotizing encephalopathy, rare but severe complications that require immediate medical attention.

Severe pneumonia and lung damage

In addition to standard pneumonia, Dr. Bakir says necrotizing pneumonia, a rare but dangerous condition, “has also been seen.”

This form of pneumonia causes destruction of lung tissue, sometimes described as the “melting down” of the lungs. Patients typically require hospitalization and extended courses of intravenous antibiotics.

Heart, sinus and gland complications

The flu can also affect organs beyond the lungs and brain. Sinus infections are common, but more serious inflammatory conditions can occur.

“The other complication, which is serious, secondary to the influenza infection, is carditis,” Dr. Bakir says. “The heart muscle may be involved as well, not only the skeletal muscle. This severe combination may end up with heart failure and may be associated with the fluid collection around the heart and around the heart membrane, pericarditis.”

Other possible complications include parotitis, which is inflammation of the salivary glands, and carditis-related heart failure, which can be fatal.

Neuromuscular complications

Some flu-related complications affect muscle and nerve function and must be carefully distinguished by physicians.

“Guillain-Barre, an ascending paralysis disease in the body, is one of the complications of influenza,” Dr. Bakir says. “You have to differentiate this from benign acute childhood myositis.”

Circulating flu strains

Dr. Bakir notes that different influenza strains can be linked to different complications.

“Influenza B is more common with viral myositis,” he says.

Currently, Influenza A strains – including H3N2 and H1N1 – are circulating widely, though Influenza B remains present as well.

Low vaccination rates raise concern

Despite the severity of these complications, influenza vaccination rates remain critically low. In Illinois, only 24.4% of people are vaccinated against the flu.

To prevent widespread outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, public health experts estimate that more than 50% of the population needs to be vaccinated.

Dr. Bakir has seen the consequences of limited vaccine access firsthand.

In his home country of Türkiye, Dr. Bakir has treated children who were dying from viral illnesses due to no access to vaccines.

Bottom line

Influenza is not just a seasonal inconvenience – it is a virus capable of causing serious, multi-organ complications in children and vulnerable patients. Low vaccination rates raise the risk of serious flu complications, including pneumonia, brain infections, heart inflammation and paralysis. Dr. Bakir stresses that prevention, early recognition of severe symptoms and timely medical care are essential to reducing hospitalizations and saving lives as flu activity continues to rise.

Video Interview Clips

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.

The basics

Fred Burke, MD, an emergency medicine physician who treats people at OSF HealthCare, says pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a virus or bacteria.

“The most common bacteria that causes it is strep pneumonia [in medical terms, streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus]. The viruses that cause it are things like RSV [respiratory syncytial virus], flu [influenza] and COVID-19 [coronavirus],” Dr. Burke says.

In other words, you could get the flu, and it could progress to pneumonia. The phrase double pneumonia means it’s impacting both lungs. Dr. Burke says people with pneumonia could experience coughing, fever, chills and weakness.

“It can cause a consolidation in the lungs. That interferes with air movement,” Dr. Burke says. “You can also get fluid buildup and scarring in the lungs.” Consolidation refers to inflamed cells that form a mass.

Diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Burke says when someone comes to the emergency department with pneumonia symptoms, a health care provider could do a chest X-ray or CAT scan to confirm the diagnosis.

“If we find it’s from a viral infection, people have to ride it out. There’s no treatment for [the ailment itself]. But we can treat the symptoms. We can give Tylenol for fever or an inhaler for shortness of breath or wheezing,” Dr. Burke explains. “If it’s from a bacterial infection, we give antibiotic medication.”

The person could take antibiotics by mouth for one to two weeks. Or, if they are having trouble breathing, the medicine would be given through intravenous (IV) therapy. Either way, the goal is to stop the bacteria in the lungs from growing.

Another tactic is a bronchoscope, where a pulmonologist inserts a tube down your throat to break up mucus in your airways.

But Dr. Burke cautions: don’t let the guidance of some “ride it out” fool you. Pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization and death worldwide.

“One complication is sepsis, when the infection spreads to the blood. That can cause organ failure,” Dr. Burke warns. “Pneumonia can also cause respiratory failure [when the lungs aren’t working properly]. Those people might require additional oxygen. Or if it serious enough, they might require intubation [a breathing tube down the throat] or be placed on life support.”



Is it contagious?

Yes, pneumonia can spread from person to person, Dr. Burke says. It’s often transmitted through respiratory droplets (coughing or sneezing on someone), but it can spread on surfaces as well. A child could touch a dirty doorknob then put their hands in their mouth, for example.

That’s why everyday hygiene is important. Wash your hands with soap and warm water thoroughly and often. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Stay home and away from others if you’re sick. These are especially important for people at higher risk for pneumonia: people with a history of strokes or seizures, people suffering from substance abuse, people with a compromised immune system (those with HIV or a transplanted organ, for example), smokers and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also outlines the guidelines for the pneumococcal vaccine. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions about the shot.

“The vaccine comes from evidence-based medicine. Experts have done studies. It’s shown to be very effective in decreasing the severity of pneumonia,” Dr. Burke explains. “I would recommend people take the vaccine.”

Interview clips

Related stories

OSF HealthCare library: Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia strolling into little lungs
Protecting infants from RSV
Can't stop coughing?
Better breathing: How we treat COPD
‘Sepsis does not discriminate’
Do you really need that antibiotic?

The Sisters’ impact

Sister Leopolda passed away in 1994 at age 81. But the impact she and the other Sisters made on OSF Saint Anthony’s is still felt today.

Sister M. Christine Crowder began at the hospital in the 1960s and worked alongside Sister Leopolda.

“Sister Leopolda was so kind and hard-working but always for the Lord. She was so dedicated,” Sister Christne says. “She would take the most difficult patients. The ones who needed the most care. If we were missing a nurse, she would put an apron on and give out medicine. If a housekeeper called off, she would start scrubbing floors.

“When I was working on the floor with her, I’d say ‘202 would like a pain pill,’” Sister Christine also recalls. “Sister Leopolda would say ‘202 is not a person. Mrs. Jones would like a pain pill.’ That spoke to the respect and dignity she showed to our patients.”

Marci Well then and now

Carol and Marci Well are still not sure of the exact ailment Marci caught in 1972. But she recovered with no lasting effects. And she quickly became intrigued by the medical field. Family photos of Marci as a child show her dressing up as a Sister and “playing nurse.” Now, Well, 54, has been a pediatrician in Canton, Illinois, for more than two decades.

“I had Band-Aids on all my dolls and stuffed animals,” Marci Well says. “It felt like I was destined to take care of people.”

“It really touched my heart when she said that,” Sister Christine says. “It’s so meaningful to hear that one of our Sisters influenced a person to work in the medical field with children.”

Learn more

Read more about how OSF provides compassionate care close to home in Alton here.

Interview clips

B-roll

Related stories

‘Patients were treated like family’

Fall and winter could be renamed “coughing season” with seasonal illnesses in the air. But there’s more to coughing than the brief but annoying impact on your day.

Some coughing is normal. But you should see a health care provider quickly when you cough up things you shouldn’t.

The basics: Why do you cough?

Aminat Ogun, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says coughing is one way your body protects your lungs and airways from irritants. You expel the bad stuff out of our system, she says.

Some everyday things that can make you cough: breathing in smoke, allergies and mucus dripping down to your throat and irritating it. Or, you may just wake up in the morning and cough a few times to lighten your chest. These shouldn’t alarm you, Dr. Ogun says.

“We have cough receptors in our airways and lungs,” Dr. Ogun explains. “If we have mucus or an irritant, there’s a signal sent to our brain. The brain activates those receptors to have the cough action happen. So that’s why you clear your throat or cough in the morning. You’re trying to clear out your airways.”

If your cough is associated with an illness (like a cold, flu, RSV, COVID, bronchitis or pertussis, also called whooping cough) or a chronic condition (like asthma or COPD), you should be seeing a provider as often as needed to learn how to manage things.

Coughing up things you shouldn’t

Watch for signs that your cough may be linked to a more serious problem, Dr. Ogun says.

• Mucus: Our airways produce mucus to trap irritants, Dr. Ogun says. So it’s not out of the ordinary to cough up mucus from time to time. But if the mucus is thick or a different color (green or yellow), it could be a sign of pneumonia or bronchitis.
  
  “When it’s persistent [cough with mucus] and it’s affecting your breathing, you definitely want to be seen [by a provider,]” Dr. Ogun says.
   
• Vomit: Dr. Ogun says sometimes, you just cough hard enough to bring up some vomit. If it’s a “one-off,” as she calls it, you should still see a provider, but it may not be cause for great concern. But persistent vomiting while coughing could be a sign of whooping cough, acid reflux or aspiration (when food or drink gets into the lungs).
   
• Blood: Coughing blood brings a high level of concern, Dr. Ogun says.
  
  “Sometimes you have the common cold, you’re coughing for a long period and you irritated your airways. Maybe you nick the capillary artery [leading to coughing blood.] That’s fine,” Dr. Ogun says. “But more serious conditions would be a blood clot in the lung or tuberculosis.”
  
  Heart failure, lung cancer or infections are also associated with coughing up blood.
   

Diagnosis and treatment

When you see a provider for an abnormal cough, they’ll ask about your health history, specifically about your cough. How long have you been coughing? Did something trigger it? What are you coughing up? Do you have other symptoms, like a fever?

“Then the provider could do a physical examination. They look at the back of your throat. They listen to your lungs to see if they hear anything concerning. Depending on what they find, they could order a chest X-ray or a CT scan to see what’s going on inside your chest,” Dr. Ogun says.

Treatment will depend on what the provider finds. For example, acid reflux can be tamped down by an antacid or a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). For an infection like pneumonia, you’ll get an antibiotic. If it is just an irritating tickle in your throat, you may get a steroid like Flonase.

What you can do

Some advice from Dr. Ogun to ensure coughs don’t derail your health:

• Parents should keep a close eye on kids and their coughing.
   
• No matter the age, don’t shake off one instance of a bad cough and assume things will go back to normal. See a provider right away.
   
• While vaccines don’t prevent coughing, Dr. Ogun says they are critically important to stomp out the illnesses associated with coughing. Talk to your health care provider about when you’re due for flu, COVID, RSV, pneumonia and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines.
  
  “Pertussis is dangerous in immunocompromised people and kids,” Dr. Ogun warns. “RSV is highly contagious, as well. It’s life-threating in infants and older adults.
  
  “What vaccines do is help prevent getting to the very severe stage [of an illness,]” she adds. “You’re trying to prevent ending up in the hospital. You’re also reducing the risk of infection. And you’re protecting people around you who may be sicker than you.”
   
• Daily hygiene habits also go a long way. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Wash your hands often. Stay home and away from others when sick. Again, these don’t prevent coughs. But they can help prevent the spread of illness that brings those rough coughing fits.

Interview clips

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It's caused by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports test positivity for walking pneumonia increased in the late spring of 2024 and remained high. 

The term walking pneumonia wa coined because it's possible for someone to be walking around with the infection and not even know it. 

Keith Hanson, MD, the General Pediatrics Unit Medical Director at OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois, says every year some strains of illness, or a particular virus, are more common than others. 

Right now, it's pneumonia.

“What's a little unusual about this year, is we're seeing that same bacteria causing pneumonia in kids that are younger than usual, and the severity of the illness is more,” Dr. Hanson says. “We're seeing more kids admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and they're definitely younger than that typical age range like preschoolers and even some infants.”

Dr. Hanson says as is the case with bacterial infections, there are antibiotics to treat walking pneumonia. 

The hope is to shorten the illness and make it less severe, while decreasing the chance of spreading the infection to others.

Health Highlights Video Version With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Version Without Chyrons

It’s caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), a bacterium that causes respiratory tract infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports test positivity for walking pneumonia increased in late spring of 2024 and remained high.

The term walking pneumonia was coined because it’s possible for someone to be walking around with the infection, and not even know it.

“They're walking around school and they're not feeling that sick. They do have pneumonia but it's not putting them in the hospital typically,” says Keith Hanson, MD, the medical director of the General Pediatrics Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

Dr. Hanson says every year some strains of illness, or a particular virus, are more common than others. Right now, it’s pneumonia.

"What's a little unusual about this year, is we're seeing that same bacteria causing pneumonia in kids that are younger than usual, and the severity of the illness is more. We're seeing more kids admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and they're definitely younger than that typical age range like preschoolers and even some infants,” Dr. Hanson says.

Tracking cases nationally and across the region

The CDC is tracking the rise in cases, which have been seen both nationwide and locally in central Illinois.

Data from OSF HealthCare show a major increase in overall pneumonia cases for patients younger than 18 years of age this year over last, looking at the dates from August 1 through October 22.

In 2023, there were 171 patients with pneumonia and only three cases were reported to have come from the M. pneumoniae bacterium. In 2024, overall cases jumped to 641 with 143 having pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae. 81 of the cases in the 2024 range were reported from the hospital.

Signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia

"It's that cough, a prolonged cough especially, fevers and difficulty breathing in more severe cases," Dr. Hanson says. “They might be dehydrated and not able to drink as much, so they're not urinating as much. They can be sleepier and more fatigued, which is pretty common.”

Dr. Hanson says as is the case with bacterial infections, there are antibiotics to treat walking pneumonia. The hope of the antibiotics is to shorten the illness and make it less severe, while decreasing the chance of spreading the infection to others.

“This is one that would need antibiotics. Other respiratory infections like RSV or COVID-19 are viruses, where there's no particular medication to treat it," Dr. Hanson says. "So, if it is this Mycoplasma pneumonia, there is an antibiotic that can treat it. We want to make sure kids are staying hydrated and getting enough rest. You can do fever control with Tylenol and ibuprofen." 

While most pneumonia cases don’t send kids to the hospital, it is possible for children with other medical conditions to be hospitalized. If they are admitted, they may need IV fluids for dehydration or oxygen to help with breathing. This is another reason Dr. Hanson recommends starting antibiotics right away, because if pneumonia goes untreated, there’s a higher chance you could end up in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

When pneumonia is connected to a viral infection

"We start thinking about bacterial infections after times that you're sick, you get better, then you get worse a few days later. That's because the virus was going on first, with a runny nose, low grade fever and some coughing. Then you feel better for a couple of days, and then it comes back. That's when we think there was a bacterial infection on top of the virus,” Dr. Hanson says. “That's because when we have the virus, we get mucus and secretions and we're not coughing things up very well. Things are settling there in the lungs and you're not very active. That increased inflammation and mucus is a setup for bacterial infections.”

Pneumonia prevention tips

-          If you’re sick, stay home

-          Make sure kids blow their nose

-          Cough or sneeze in your elbow

-          Wear a mask in the community if you’re sick. It could prevent respiratory droplets from spreading.

-          Wash your hands

-          Hydrate well

-          Focus on good sleep

Video Interview Clips

In the farming communities of Illinois and beyond, the name Colleen (pronounced COH-leen) Callahan is a familiar one. The former president of the National Farm Broadcasters Association and long-time agriculture broadcaster at WMBD radio, WMBD and WCIA TV stations in Peoria and Champaign, Illinois made Callahan a household name to many – even before she became director of Rural Development in Illinois for the U.S. Ag Department and later director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Callahan knows how to navigate a variety of situations but was at a loss when she recently found herself with bacterial pneumonia in both lungs. She was admitted to OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois where she spent three days before being offered the opportunity to become a digital hospital patient through OSF OnCall, the digital health arm of OSF.

The typically healthy 73-year-old has only needed to see her family doctor for anything other than a routine exam only twice in her lifetime but says even so, the idea of leaving the hospital after just three days seemed impossible. She felt better yes, but still had a long way to full recovery.

However, Callahan learned she could receive hospital-level care at home because her condition qualified and she lived within 30 minutes of the hospital. If she relapsed, no need to go to an emergency department, she would be speeded back to her hospital bed by ambulance – the same way she was sent home.

“And by the time I got home, all the necessary equipment that the doctors and the nurses needed was here. And from that moment forward, I received incredible personal care. It's not that it wasn't personal in the hospital, but it felt more personal because I was in my home.” 

Callahan was visited by nurses twice a day and had a daily virtual visit with an OSF OnCall doctor via a tablet provided to her. Anytime she needed to be connected to the OSF OnCall care team, she only had to press a button on the tablet or pick up the installed landline phone connected directly to providers (no need to dial). It couldn’t have been easier.

Early release to home allowed Callahan to do the things she could do; while still getting all the care she would have received in the hospital.

“By that time, when I could take oral medication and I could get up and move around, then I just wanted to do that on my own. I didn’t want to push the buzzer. I didn’t want to ask for help. You know, I’ve always been pretty independent, and I wanted to be that way again even though I knew there were a lot of things I wasn’t ready to do, there were things I wanted to do that I knew I could do if I was home.” 

Was she concerned about having strangers in her home? Callahan said they were so professional and personable, that wasn’t an issue.

“We talked about pets. We talked about families, what they'd done before they were doing digital hospital. And in a way, when I was released from the (digital) hospital and knew that none of them would be coming again, I kind of missed them. I was getting better, and I was glad to feel better. But I was also very glad for their presence in our home helping me get better.” 

Callahan’s husband was home, and her daughter stayed with them as well, just to make sure she was okay, but Callahan points out, her care was in the hands of professionals. Three meals-a-day were also delivered from the hospital to her home.

For those who are hesitant, Callahan says it’s really a return to the way medical care was delivered in the early part of the 20^th century.

“Do think about it being an approach to the old fashion house call. You get to go home, and the nurses make a house call to you twice a day with interim visits with the doctor. That's a really good way to frame it.” 

OSF OnCall Digital Hospital is available in Peoria and Rockford. The costs are comparable to an in-hospital stay and is covered by Medicare and some private insurance.

Video clips with digital hospital patient Colleen Callahan

B-roll of OSF OnCall Digital Hospital

The success of the OSF OnCall Digital Hospital in Peoria has paved the way for expansion to Rockford, Illinois.

OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center is preparing to launch OSF OnCall Digital Hospital – an option to receive hospital-level care at home for some patients such as those with heart failure, COPD, COVID, infections, pneumonia, or other illnesses. Patients who qualify have been admitted through the emergency department or referred for admission directly by their provider.

Courtney Dahnert, MSN, RN, supervisor of Clinical Digital Care for OSF OnCall Digital Hospital in Rockford, says the care team at the OSF OnCall Command Center in Peoria will identify patients aged 18 and older who could be enrolled. Criteria to be enrolled includes their diagnosis, condition stability, they live within 30 minutes of OSF Saint Anthony, and have an insurer that covers hospital care at home. Medicare is among the payers willing to support home-based acute care.

OSF OnCall Digital Care Manager Melissa Meier, MSN, RN, says patients are also screened to make sure their home environment is safe and that they have the ability to be cared for at home. Once enrolled, a tech kit, providing 24/7 instant connection, is set up in the home before a patient arrives.

“A tablet, which is how we do our video visits, as well as Bluetooth enabled biometric equipment for us to be able to do vital signs remotely. We also bring a backup power source as well as a backup internet source and a device which is a personal emergency response system, which functions much like a Life Alert button.”

For potential candidates worried they’re not tech savvy, Pam Anderson, a patient from Morton enrolled in the program through OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria says everything is so easy to use.

“The phone … you don't dial it. You just pick it up and it rings directly to the (digital health) center. And once you do that, then somebody will appear on the iPad. So, if you do need something, you're actually speaking to someone (you can see). You're not just talking on the phone. And they're extremely prompt in answering. So there really isn't, in my opinion, a lot of technology involved. Thank heavens,” Anderson gladly reports.

There is a minimum of two visits from a nurse each day. Patients receive three meals a day and individuals can live alone or with family members. Costs are the same as for a hospital stay.

Meier says OSF OnCall Digital Hospital helps both the health system and the patient.

Research also shows patients in digital hospital programs recover faster, fewer are re-admitted to the hospital and they avoid hospital-acquired infections.

OSF is currently recruiting and training nurses for the digital hospital program in Rockford with special curriculum developed by OSF Innovation. It includes simulation for real-life scenarios, so nurses are prepared for any challenges. Dahnert says most nurses enjoy this new way of caring for patients that harkens back to the days of house calls.

“It takes us back to being able to provide that really good care; getting to know someone even though we're only caring for them for two or three days and making their health relevant to them. And it gives us time to breathe. So it's an amazing opportunity for both the patient and the provider.”

For patients concerned about their care and safety at home, the first-ever digital hospital patient for OSF, Jim Stickelmaier, says being at home was the best medicine.

“I would say definitely try it. I think they’ll find out that it was a lot easier and a lot nicer to be at home than in the hospital.” 

OSF OnCall has cared for nearly 370 patients in the Peoria area since launching its digital hospital program in August of 2022. The first digital hospital patient at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center could be admitted after the program launches for Rockford area patients on February 27.

Melissa Meier and Courtney Dahnert

OSF OnCall Digital Hospital Peoria-area patients Pam Anderson and Jim Stickelmaier

B-roll OSF OnCall Digital Hospital

Nick Cannon is a busy man. 

The comedian, TV host and rapper, is also a father of 11, a lupus survivor and now he's battling another illness. Cannon recently posted on social media he was hospitalized with pneumonia. 

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia.

In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are:

• Influenza viruses
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)

“COVID is kind of a wild card," says BreAnne Gendron, an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), for OSF HealthCare. "It does create symptoms of shortness of breath. People can have fevers, it is a viral illness. It’s seven to 10 days where people will have a day where they start feeling better. If you have shortness of breath, no matter what your diagnosis is, you want to seek treatment. The concern with COVID isn’t so much pneumonia as blood clots in your lungs causing shortness of breath. We would want to make sure that you're safe in regards to that side of it.”

Most of the people affected by pneumonia in the United States are adults. CDC data shows more than 47,000 people died from pneumonia in 2020.

“Pneumonia is an infection that gets the travels through your lungs for one reason or another," says Gendron. "Whether you are prone to infection because your immune system is suppressed. Smokers are more prone to pneumonia, people with COPD or asthma or other lung conditions. If you work in a place where there's lots of people in one place, you're more likely to be sick and that can lead to pneumonia.”

Symptoms of pneumonia include high fever, fatigue, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath and headache. Walking pneumonia is a nonmedical term which refers to a milder case of pneumonia.

“If you have a fever greater than 101, or if you are a person that has any of those high risk factors, you have COPD, you’re immune compromised, any of these things that would make you higher risk for pneumonia, and you should seek treatment," says Gendron.  "It’s better to be safe than sorry; it's easier to treat you when you're less ill than when you're struggling to breathe and we have to send you to the emergency room.”

Gendron says people who have pneumonia are prone to getting it again. Treatment options include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia and rest and fluids are in order for viral pneumonia.

The CDC recommends children younger than age five and adults 65 and older get the pneumococcal vaccine, along with children and adults who are at a higher risk due to other health conditions.

“Your health care provider may recommend that you get the pneumonia vaccine younger than 65, but everybody over the age of 65 should have a pneumonia vaccine because that’s when people are at high risk for developing it," says Gendron. "As we age our immune systems are generally less effective than they were when we were young. So it’s good to get the vaccine after 65.”

Gendron offers other tips to help stay healthy this winter – avoid people who are sick, wash your hands often, quit smoking and manage conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

“When you’re wondering if it’s pneumonia or walking pneumonia, it doesn’t really matter which one it is," she adds. "You need to go by your symptoms and if you’re having high fevers, shortness of breath, you’re coughing so much you can’t sleep at night that you feel like you need help. You should be seen so that we can make sure you’re safe.”

For more information on pneumonia, visit OSF HealthCare.

Interview Clips 

A year ago, 84-year-old Jim Stickelmaier of Metamora almost died from a series of heart attacks. His wife Karen, a former nurse, had to talk him into going to the emergency department at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. It was a close call but doctors were able to save him. In late July, Stickelmaier had another scary health threat. One morning, his breathing became so labored that he didn’t resist when Karen called an ambulance to rush him to the hospital.

Stickelmaier had COVID-19-related pneumonia. X-rays showed fluid on both sides of his lungs, a telltale sign of congestive heart failure. But, with treatment, Stickelmaier responded well and was quickly stabilized.

It turns out he was a perfect candidate for the new OSF OnCall Digital Hospital program that provides supportive hospital-level care, but at home. Stickelmaier was the first patient admitted to the recently launched program and he’s a believer.

“I had my own bed to be in. I have my easy chair to sit in. I have my wife and my daughter with me to keep me company and they didn't have to worry about driving through all the traffic. It was really a good deal.” 

Paul Moots, MD, medical director of OSF OnCall Digital Hospital, says the program currently only involves select patients seen in the OSF Saint Francis Emergency Department (ED). Candidates have to be 18 or older, live within 30 minutes of the hospital and have Medicare as their insurer.

Dr. Moots explains patients will typically have conditions that might require a three or four day hospital stay, such as heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – nothing that would require a lot of medical interventions.

Think of it as a return to the house call – only with a lot more equipment and meal delivery. A special team outfitted Stickelmaier’s living room with portable oxygen (in case he needed it), a tablet for video calls and electronic bracelet he wore for safety and instant contact with his care team. There were also Bluetooth devices to monitor vital signs that sent data automatically into his electronic medical record.

Equipment is set up based on the patient’s unique needs. Dr. Moots says the standard set-up offers safety and comfort through constant connectivity.

“The patient will have a personal safety device that will allow them to contact the command center, even if they’re not able to reach the phone. We’ll have a back-up electricity device in their home and we’ll have internet connectivity provided by the digital hospital.” 

Software at the OSF OnCall Digital Hospital command center in downtown Peoria can identify potential candidates so ED doctors at OSF Saint Francis don’t have to. Cassie Worrick, an advanced practice provider (APP) who helped screen Stickelmaier in the ED and cared for him at home, says she uses screening tools to evaluate a patient’s ability to manage the in-home care instructions, and to know whether they have some type of nearby support.

“They do not necessarily have to have someone living with them, absolutely not. Of course, we take into account if there’s any cognitive impairment and what that might look like. Mobility issues and what that might look like. But, it’s all on an individual basis and what makes sense.” 

Before the program launched August 2, Digital Hospital operations and care teams were given a stress test of sorts during five weeks of training at Jump Trading Simulation & Education Center. Worrick says the effort simulated various scenarios using specially-trained actors filling in as patients.

“OSF has done a wonderful job, setting us up for different situations, knowing how to tackle everything, so that when we had our first patient, it was really smooth which, I think was from practicing all the ‘what ifs.’”

Each patient’s personalized schedule outlines days and times for in-home visits from the care team, such as a physical therapist, a nurse to deliver IV fluids and when needed, a night nurse to check on the patient. Worrick says APPs try to accommodate the patient’s lifestyle so, when possible, the care team schedules visits around a patient’s sleep schedule and favorite activities.

Karen Stickelmaier felt relieved not being entirely responsible for her husband’s care. Instead, OSF OnCall caregivers provided an IV and other medication, and they made sure Jim received breathing treatments as prescribed. The couple welcomed the frequent visits from his care team members who called before they came in-person and who made sure it was a good time for a virtual visit with the physician overseeing Jim’s care.

“I'm pleased to say that we had such a remarkable group of people that come in here and they were so happy. You know, and we were happy. We were looking forward to (sic) … if they said they were going to come at 2:30, they were out here changing into their, you know, everything (protective clothing). So they could come in here and we really enjoyed just having them here. They did a wonderful job.”

How hospital care at home began

The early work for the Digital Hospital program started as part of a Trailblazer challenge for OSF Mission Partners (employees) who researched more advanced home care as an idea to improve a patient’s experience and recovery. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and OSF Innovation used that research to quickly set up and scale a program to reduce the stress on hospital capacity and medical providers. It also allowed monitoring and treatment for people in their homes. In the first three months, OSF was among the few health systems in the country with a program that leveraged technology and cared for more than 100 patients without forcing them to seek treatment for COVID-19 at a medical clinic or hospital.

Suzanne Hinderliter, director of Digital Care Development for OSF OnCall, said that rapid rollout provided valuable insights.

“We learned a lot about taking care of patients in the home and how valuable it was to meet the patients in their home and give them care where they were, make them feel comfortable and safe and provide a really good experience, help them manage their care because in the end, these patients are going to need to manage themselves and manage their care and their chronic diseases and medications throughout the rest of their life. And so we're there to help make that possible in their home to ensure that we're decreasing any barriers that they have.” 

Later in the pandemic, the federal government recognized the benefit of offering hospital-level care at home and designed regulations and reimbursement for the services provided under Medicare. OSF eventually paused its novice program to allow OSF Innovation to research and validate the best technology and support service providers such as Boston-based Medically Home – a leader in care-at-home programs. Innovation teams worked with OSF OnCall leaders to coordinate pharmacy needs, meal service and delivery, imaging and transportation, along with diagnostic tools and monitoring.

Looking to create a high-tech, high-touch effort, OSF designed a robust Digital Hospital initiative to meet or surpass new regulations and launched the reimagined program.

Hinderliter says telehealth leaders continue encouraging federal lawmakers to support legislation to ensure the program’s future. Meanwhile, OSF OnCall leaders continue planning to extend Digital Hospital care to other patients, including those recovering from surgery, as it also considers expanding a Digital Hospital program for other hospitals within the OSF Ministry.

“I think we've invested in this as a program moving forward and knowing that this is going to be valuable in the way of the future,” says Hinderliter. “We always have to be looking at the next thing and how can we make the care better for our patients? How can we take care of patients in a different way?”

Research shows patients recover faster, and there are fewer hospital re-admissions and hospital-acquired infections with Digital Hospital programs. Plus, its estimated hospitals can save up to 30% in costs, which could translate to lower bills for patients. At the very least, individuals who qualify can receive the same high-quality care and better sleep than in a hospital.

Jim Stickelmaier agrees and says being at home is the best medicine he could receive.

“I would say definitely try it. I think they’ll find out that it was a lot easier and a lot nicer to be at home than in the hospital.” 

Jim and Karen Stickelmaier, the first Digital Hospital patient

Dr. Paul Moots, medical director of OSF OnCall Digital Hospital, Cassie Worrick, APP Digital Hospital, Suzanne Hinderliter, director of Digital Care Development for OSF OnCall

Digital Hospital B-roll

Summer is a time when people are typically thinking about fun in the sun and less about guarding themselves against diseases that typically come in the winter time. However, there is at least one common illness that people can contract any time of year: pneumonia. That’s why area doctors are encouraging older adults to protect themselves from the malady now.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year about 900,000 Americans get pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Dr. Brian Curtis is an OSF HealthCare physician in Peoria, Illinois. He says the best way to prevent the disease is by getting vaccinated, and for certain populations, not getting vaccinated comes with major risks.

“It could cause you to be admitted to the hospital. And at times when that happens, the pneumococcal bacteria gets into your bloodstream and you develop what we call sepsis, and people have been admitted to the ICU, placed on the ventilator and have died from it,” warned Dr. Curtis.

Dr. Curtis added, this is especially the case with older individuals. In 2021, pneumonia killed nearly 50,000 people in the U.S; about 84% of them were older than age 65.

“People over the age of 65 are more susceptible to having bad outcomes from any type of virus or bacterial illness and it’s just an age-related phenomenon," he said. "Their immune system is just not as effective as it was at a younger age.”

Dr. Curtis says anyone with weakened immune systems and children under the age of two are also at a higher risk for pneumonia.

There are two pneumococcal vaccines recommended for older adults. Dr. Curtis recommends discussing those options with a health care provider to determine which immunization is best for you. If you don’t have a primary care physician, visit osfhealthcare.org to find one near you.

Interview Clips - Dr. Brian Curtis