As temperatures drop and families begin spending more time indoors, respiratory viruses become an increasing concern. This fall, flu (influenza) activity is already appearing earlier in parts of the country, raising questions about what the months ahead could look like.

Jon C. Michel, MD, is a pulmonary critical care physician and vice president of the Medical Specialties Service Line with OSF HealthCare.

"I think the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) is predicting that the 2027 respiratory virus season should be similar to the 2026 season," Dr. Michel says. "We are seeing a slightly earlier shift in the flu uptake, especially on the West Coast, and it's spreading here to the Midwest."

The CDC's FluView report for the week ending October 10 notes that while flu activity remains low nationally, the highest activity is occurring in the western United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regions 9 and 10).

But an earlier arrival doesn't necessarily mean a more severe respiratory illness season. Dr. Michel says it's important to prepare now rather than wait for respiratory illnesses to become more widespread.

Three respiratory viruses to watch

While numerous respiratory viruses circulate throughout the year, three remain a primary focus for medical professionals.

"The three that we focus on the most are the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. We do that because we have vaccinations for those viruses, we have therapies for those viruses and they tend to be the ones that make you quite sick,” Dr. Michel says. "There's a wide variety of other cold viruses that we could diagnose now, but it's mostly academic and interesting. There's a rhinovirus, or the common cold, there's the parainfluenza virus. We don't have treatments for those, but it's important to understand what the patient has so we can tell prognosis and tell the duration of illness."

Dr. Michel says advancements in medical testing have made it easier to identify which virus is causing an illness. A decade ago, testing often focused primarily on influenza. In 2020, the global pandemic turned attention to COVID-19 testing. Today, respiratory testing panels allow medical teams to check for multiple viruses, including RSV, helping providers make more informed decisions about care.

RSV prevention has also come a long way. Newer preventive options, including vaccines for eligible pregnant women and older adults, as well as protective antibody injections for infants and certain young children, offer additional protection against severe illness.

Don't delay your flu vaccine

With flu activity appearing earlier this fall, Dr. Michel encourages people not to put off getting vaccinated. Getting your flu shot before activity increases in your community can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions.

People should also speak with their health care provider about which flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations are recommended for them based on their age, health history and other eligibility factors.

Simple steps to prevent illness

Vaccines are an important tool, but everyday habits also play a major role in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.

"There's some commonsense stuff that we don't always lean into. Make sure that you avoid ill people. If you're going to be out in public and you're immunocompromised or prone to getting ill, wear a tight-fitting mask," Dr. Michel says. "Make sure if you're sick, you don't go out and expose other people, either."

Other steps include washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes and cleaning frequently touched surfaces. These simple habits can help protect those most vulnerable to serious respiratory complications.

What to do if you get sick

Not every respiratory illness requires an emergency department visit or hospitalization. The OSF HealthCare Ministry has virtual options, including OSF OnCall Virtual Urgent Care, as well as walk-in clinics known as OSF OnCall Urgent Care or OSF PromptCare.

In 2020, OSF OnCall launched a free, at-home monitoring service for babies and toddlers up to five years old. The digital service continues today and includes an at-home care kit and easy access to a real-time chat. If necessary, a video visit is an option for parents or guardians of an infant or young child with any respiratory illness, including RSV.

For many mild viral infections, supportive care is the main approach to treatment. That means focusing on relieving symptoms and helping your body recover while the illness runs its course.

"Rest, [drink] fluids, avoiding further infections and good nutrition," Dr. Michel says. "Sometimes breathing treatments [are needed]. But there aren't any medications, FDA-approved or otherwise, that have been shown to shorten the length [of illness] or stop that from getting worse in some of those other viruses."

If symptoms worsen or you're at greater risk of complications, contacting your primary care provider early is important. Some treatments for flu and COVID-19 work best when started soon after symptoms begin.

Can vitamins help prevent respiratory illnesses?

It's common to reach for vitamin C, zinc or other supplements when respiratory illness season arrives. But Dr. Michel cautions against treating supplements as a cure-all.

He says vitamins like these have been studied extensively, but they're not a "magic bullet" against respiratory viruses.

For people with nutritional deficiencies, addressing those deficiencies through a balanced diet or recommended supplementation can support normal immune function.

However, taking additional vitamins does not guarantee you won't become sick, and supplements should not replace vaccinations, healthy habits or medical treatment when needed.

When should you seek medical care?

Contact a health care provider if you experience:

• Symptoms that continue to worsen rather than improve
• A persistent or worsening fever
• Difficulty staying hydrated or keeping fluids down
• Symptoms that improve and then return or become more severe
• Respiratory symptoms that are especially concerning because of an underlying medical condition

Severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, new confusion or other signs of a medical emergency require immediate emergency care.

For those who become seriously ill, OSF HealthCare hospitals have intensive care units (ICUs) and specialized teams equipped to care for people experiencing severe respiratory complications.

"OSF is leading the charge because we have a broad-based primary care network, including urgent cares and virtual urgent cares, along with your primary care doctor," Dr. Michel says. "We shouldn't be ashamed of calling those places right away if we feel like we're ill, because there are therapies that are effective for this."

Act before respiratory illness strikes

Respiratory illness season is here, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Stay current on recommended vaccinations, recognize when symptoms require medical attention and don't hesitate to contact your OSF HealthCare team when you need help.

Video Interview Clips

It’s advice you’ve heard plenty: if you’re sick, stay home and rest. But, health care providers also want you to be active. A sedentary lifestyle puts you at a higher risk for things like diabetes and heart disease.

So how can we reconcile the two? Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall, says it’s sometimes OK to exercise when you’re sick – if you know the dos and don’ts.

The basics

“For common cold symptoms – runny nose, sore throat, congestion and sneezing – it’s perfectly OK to continue working out. We use the ‘neck up rule.’ So with symptoms from the neck up, it’s typically OK to continue. Honestly, you might even feel a little bit better,” Draper says. “Anything lower than your neck – a deep cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness – is a sign you want to hold off on working out, especially strenuous workouts. Take it easy instead.”

If you’re dizzy, fatigued or have a severe headache, you should also pause exercising until you feel better.

Getting going

“Listen to your body,” Draper says when asked how to approach exercising when sick. “If you’re feeling OK and have a mild cold, you can continue your exercise routine as tolerated. If you’re down with flu-like symptoms – fever, chills, body aches and fatigue – you’re going to want to just do some stretching or walking.

“Don’t overdo it and do something your body isn’t used to,” she adds.

Biking, swimming or lifting light weights (at a pace you can tolerate) are other options. Exercise away from others to prevent the spread of illness. And as with any workout, if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, coughing fits or chest pain, stop and rest. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, see a provider.

“For severe chest pain or shortness of breath, you need to go to the emergency room immediately,” Draper cautions.

What’s in the bag?

Your “exercising when sick” bag might be a little fuller than the average day. Draper says hydration is extra important. Water or reduced sugar sports drinks are good choices.

“A lot of time when we’re sick, we’re sweating. So we want to replace those electrolytes and fluids,” Draper explains.

Bring other things to keep your symptoms in check. If you have a runny nose, you’ll want a supply of tissues. If you’re coughing or sneezing, bring a handkerchief to avoid spewing germs into the open air. Healthy snacks that are rich in fiber and protein are fine, too. Just avoid spicy, acidic and greasy food.

Aftercare

A warm, steamy shower or a sauna visit can provide multiple benefits after a “sick workout.” Aside from just making you feel good, Draper says they can help relieve sinus congestion.

The bottom line

“If you’re fighting a chest cold, for example, we want you to rest but also stay active,” Draper says. “If you’re laying around in bed for days on end, you’re not getting those deep breaths. The infection can settle in your lungs, and that’s typically what will turn into pneumonia.”

Learn more

Read more about orthopedic and respiratory illness care on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Defend yourself against pneumonia

“It’s important for parents and caregivers to know the signs of labored breathing, also known as respiratory distress,” says Kelsey Grimes, DO, outpatient pediatrician at OSF HealthCare. “This understanding can help them know when it's time for their children to receive immediate medical attention.”

When to seek help

OSF HealthCare has multiple options to use if your child is in respiratory distress.

“During work-time hours, you can call your outpatient pediatrician's office, or primary care provider's office, and try to get a same-day appointment,” Dr. Grimes says. “In that, OSF also has a pediatric nurse triage line where a nurse can provide guidance or recommendations based on the symptoms you tell them. In the evenings, we have the pediatric after hours clinic (2806 Knoxville Ave. Peoria, Illinois), which is a good option.”

Additionally, OSF has multiple OSF OnCall Urgent Care and OSF PromptCare locations. But oftentimes if you're concerned about breathing for your child, the OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois pediatric emergency department or calling 9-1-1 is the right first step.”

Why labored breathing happens

“If your child has labored breathing, oftentimes in the pediatric population, the most common cause is a viral infection. With viral infections you get a lot of inflammation, mucus, snot, phlegm – all of that,” Dr. Grimes says. “Kids' airways are smaller. So, inflammation, even on the mild side, makes those airways even smaller. Then when they're plugged up with mucus, or phlegm, they are going to really struggle to breathe.”

Children with significant breathing difficulty may need oxygen support to help them recover. This can be done using high-flow oxygen therapy (HFOT), which delivers air and oxygen down into their respiratory tract. In these cases, hospitalization is required.

At home, nasal saline and suction may be recommended, as well as controlling fevers with Tylenol or Motrin.

Rhinovirus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and influenza, among other virus strains, are common culprits that can cause labored breathing. When treated properly, symptoms should begin to improve after three to four days. However, if symptoms worsen, it could indicate an underlying bacterial infection. This may require antibiotics or even hospitalization, depending on the child’s age and severity of illness.

Protecting kids from germs

“Regular hand hygiene and making sure when we touch surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, etc.) that we're not rubbing our eyes or mouth after,” Dr. Grimes says. “Don't share drinks or bites of food. Do anything you can do to try and prevent germ exposure. It’s hard, because a lot of these kids are in day care, preschool and kindergarten. So, there are no boundaries, and the kids are up close and personal there. You try your best for good hygiene, but in the end, they are probably going to be exposed.”

Signs of respiratory distress

Dr. Grimes says the most important thing to watch out for is how fast your child is breathing. Respiratory distress can cause a child to breathe much faster, or sometimes slower, than normal.

Retraction breathing, or the visible “sucking in” of the skin between or below the ribs, is another red flag.

“This happens because the muscle underlying the skin is really contracting, working hard to get that air in and back out,” Dr. Grimes explains.

Retraction breathing can happen under the rib cage (subcostal), between the ribs (intercostal), above the collarbones (supraclavicular) or at the base of the neck (tracheal tugging). Flaring nostrils are also a warning sign.

Other concerning symptoms include:

• Drooling in children who are past the teething stage
• Blue discoloration around the mouth
• Head bobbing with each breath (an emergency sign)
• Sitting forward and extending the neck in a “sniffing position” to ease breathing
• Wheezing when breathing out
• Grunting when exhaling
• Lethargic behavior (confused, drowsy)

Care and comfort at home

For viral infections, medical teams focus on supportive care, especially fever control.

For babies 2 months old or younger, any high or low temperature warrants an emergency department visit. Do not give Tylenol at this age.

Once babies are over 2 months old, Tylenol may be given in the appropriate dose based on weight, always under guidance from your pediatrician. Once over 6 months of age, babies can receive Motrin, as their kidneys are more developed. Both medications can be given every six hours as needed.

“When kids are having fevers, signs of labored breathing increase as well,” Dr. Grimes notes.

Hydration is also extremely important. “Really make sure to push fluids when your kids are sick. Hydration is key in recovery.”

Parents can help clear their child’s airway by using nasal saline followed by gentle suction. Humidifiers can help loosen mucus, and standing in a steamy bathroom with the shower running hot can offer short-term relief.

The bottom line

Labored breathing can be a sign of serious illness, and early action is the best protection. Parents and caregivers who recognize the warning signs and know when to call their pediatrician or seek emergency care, can help ensure their child receives timely, life-saving support.

Making sure your child receives the recommended childhood vaccines is another way to ensure your child is protected against respiratory illness.

Video Interview Clips

A vaccine offers protection for people at greatest risk. And for older people, it can be a one-time shot rather than an annual vaccination.

Talha Khan, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says RSV is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages. Young infants and older adults are among those most likely to develop severe illness.

“It can cause pretty severe respiratory infection that can lead to hospitalization and even death, so it is something we don’t take lightly. And we do have a vaccine for it now. So we do recommend getting that vaccine, if they’re eligible, so they have that extra layer of protection.”

For adults, the RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone age 75 and older.

“It can be given to individuals who are younger than that – age 50 to 74 – if they have some chronic conditions: respiratory disease, things like COPD, asthma, heart disease and if they’re a current smoker. All those things put them at increased risk for a more severe infection.”

For infants, RSV can be particularly dangerous during the virus’s typical fall and winter season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out it is the number one cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S.

The RSV vaccine can offer preventive protection when given to the baby after birth.

“And then it’s also recommended for pregnant women if they’re pregnant during that respiratory virus season [September-January], as well. They recommend either pregnant women get it or the infant gets it once their born, typically not both.”

During a particularly bad respiratory virus season in 2022, OSF OnCall launched a free, at-home monitoring service for babies and toddlers up to five years old. The digital service continues today and includes an at-home care kit and easy access to a real-time chat. If necessary, a video visit is an option for parents or guardians of an infant or young child with any respiratory illness, including RSV.

While RSV is common, many older adults may not be as familiar with the vaccine as they are with annual flu or COVID-19 shots.

“A few of my patients have kind of brought up that, ‘Oh, that’s one of the vaccines I’ve never heard of,’” says Dr. Khan. “But, again, it is important because it can cause those severe respiratory infections, [including] pneumonia, and potentially even lead to death. So, if we can stop that or stop you from getting a serious infection with a one-time vaccine, then why not just get that done.”

For people who may qualify for the vaccine, health providers recommend talking with a health care professional about their individual risk factors and the best way to protect against severe RSV.

With a single dose offering long-term protection, the decision may be one that is easier to make than most people realize.

Dr. Talha Khan is a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare in Bloomington, Illinois.

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B-Roll-RSV Vaccine

A diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might bring fear and uncertainty. But Leah Knabe, APRN, a family nurse practitioner in pulmonology at OSF HealthCare, is reminding you that treatment has progressed in recent years, and a diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean a reduced quality of life.

A recap

First, a recap. Knabe says COPD is an obstruction in the airways, typically caused by inflammation from an outside irritant.

“Symptoms typically are cough, shortness of breath and excess mucus production. There’s wheezing from inflammation in the airways. The little bronchioles in our lungs get tight. Good airflow and gas exchanges aren’t happening. It leads to that shortness of breath. The disease typically progresses [gets worse] over time,” Knabe explains.

Knabe says COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, and around 81% of cases are undiagnosed. That makes it all the more important for people with COPD to see their primary care provider or pulmonologist regularly. A person could be treated with steroids, antibiotics or go on oxygen. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, so you should avoid cigarettes and vapes to preserve lung function. People who work around chemicals, like farmers, custodians and factory workers, are also at a higher risk.

More on treatment

Knabe says that just in the last year, COPD treatment has gotten better, leading to more options for the patient.

“We’ve had biologics become approved for use in COPD patients. They’re an injection that helps manage the inflammation that flares up the symptoms,” Knabe outlines. “There are new inhalers. There are nebulized medications that have come onto the scene in the past year. Those help with shortness of breath. There are other recommendations through the Global Initiative For Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Those include the antibiotic medication azithromycin three times per week for really severe cases.

“Inhaler technique is something that is overlooked a lot for COPD patients. We need to make sure they have the right technique to get the medication where it needs to go,” Knabe adds. “If that’s an issue for our severe COPD patients, they do make medication for the nebulizer that can help. If you can’t pull that medicine from the inhaler down into your lungs, there’s the nebulizer machine that fumes the medication. They sit and breathe that in versus trying to physically pull it down with the inhaler.”

In other words, there is hope, Knabe says. The goal is to help the person breathe easier for a long time. But early detection is key.

Learn more

Read more about keeping your lungs healthy on the OSF HealthCare website.

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Living rent-free: Tips for mold in your home

• Personal items: You might think you don’t need to clean things like your phone, wallet, purse, keys, headphones and keyboards. But those items can, for example, hang out in pant pockets where dust can accumulate or on your ears where wax can get transferred to the device. Television remotes and video game controllers fall into this category too. Think about a dog or child sneezing on a device then going on like nothing happened.
  
  So, Walker recommends wiping down these items with a wet wipe weekly. A can of compressed air can also help get dust out of crevices in devices.
  
• Pets: “If they’re going outside and inside, they can bring dirt and bugs in. That can get on your carpet and furniture. It can bring bacteria to humans,” Walker warns. “So, wipe the pet’s paws when they walk in. Clean their toys routinely. When they put the toys in their mouth, bacteria can develop on the toys and on their saliva.”
  
  Walker specifically points out that pets can harbor fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, which can then bite humans. So check your pet’s fur regularly, and keep them up to date with vaccines, grooming and medical care.
  
• Miscellaneous surfaces: Knobs, handles and switches should get a “once over” with a wet wipe on a weekly basis.
  
• Plants: Dead leaves can harbor fungi, so remove them regularly.
  
• Air conditioning units: Change the filter at least once a year, and in between do checks to see if moisture has built up inside. Dark, moist areas like the inside of an AC unit can also be mold hotspots.
  
• Towels: Change out and wash your kitchen and bathroom towels every few days.
  
• Water bottles: Walker says this is a big one that many people forget about. Germs can especially linger on the top of the bottle and transfer to your mouth. So clean your bottle regularly, checking the label to see if it’s OK to put in the dishwasher or if you need to hand wash.
  
• Appliances: Browse the home cleaning aisle of the grocery store to see what products are available to clean sink and tub drains, washing machines and dishwashers. This usually involves running a cycle with just the cleaning solution. Consider cleaning these appliances every couple months.

Take action

Walker says if you develop symptoms of an illness brought on by a dirty house, see a health care provider right away. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, coughing, headache, fatigue and skin issues like bumps or discoloration.

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Interview clips

• Illnesses in the classroom: You’ve heard the saying that daycares and elementary school classrooms are a petri dish of yucky stuff. Kids are coughing, sneezing and touching things without knowing they’re spreading germs. Dr. Nauman says upper respiratory infections (colds) are common.
  
  “Use a humidifier. Honey is a great natural cough suppressant. You can do steamy baths,” Dr. Nauman says, outlining what parents can try. “Teach your kids the proper way to cough and blow their nose. Teach them how and when to wash their hands. They should be washing as much as possible throughout the day.

“I also think eating healthy and maintaining good nutrition is key,” she adds. “Make sure the kids get vitamins with their daily intake of food and drink.”

Pink eye is also common in schools. It’s inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eye.

“Most pink eye is caused by a virus. But sometimes if we think there’s a bacterial cause, we’ll treat with an antibiotic eyedrop,” Dr. Nauman says. “Pink eye is very contagious. If one person in the house gets it, it can be a domino effect because kids are all over each other. Prevention involves really good handwashing. And if you have a young infant or a child that has complex medical issues, keep them distant from others.”

And, teach kids to cough and sneeze into their sleeve, and they should not touch grimy surfaces then touch their face.

• Sleep disruptions and anxiety about school: Kids tend to stay up late during the summer. Maybe they’re snacking on sugar-filled foods with their heads buried in devices. Start the back-to-school sleep routine if you haven’t already, Dr. Nauman says. As part of this routine, have the kids go to bed and wake up at the same time. Dr. Nauman says elementary school-aged kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep. Older kids should get 9 to 11 hours. Teenagers can sleep for 8 to 9 hours.
  
  “Everyone lacks sleep to some degree. But with kids, we don’t realize how much good sleep can affect their ability to learn, emotionally regulate themselves and carry themselves,” Dr. Nauman points out. “Sleep also makes sure that immune system gets some rest and is able to help the kid’s body stay healthy.
  
  “If you have, for example, a nervous Kindergartener, drive by the school the week before classes start,” Dr. Nauman adds. “Say ‘OK, this is the time we’ll be dropping you off here. It’s going to be part of your routine.’ Give them a fun treat that day. Make it a memory that’s positive for them so that when the time comes to go to school, they’re ready.”
  
  Some schools hold “meet the teacher” nights prior to the school year to introduce everyone to each other. Take advantage of those, Dr. Nauman stresses. Be excited for and proud of your kids.
  
• Allergies: Ragweed is a big one seen in the fall, Dr. Nauman says. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, cough and itchy eyes.
  
  “If you know your kids get allergies in August or September, start the allergy medication two weeks before. Before the symptoms are super bad, help your body get ready for them,” Dr. Nauman suggests. Also, know the child’s allergy triggers, and avoid them.
  
• Asthma: School means kids are back in sports and activities. They’re running around and exerting themselves, leading to shortness of breath or even an asthma attack. Dr. Nauman says parents should work with their kid’s pediatrician to craft a written asthma action plan. Teachers and coaches should get a copy of the plan.
  
  “Fifteen minutes before recess, gym class or practice, they need to use their inhaler,” Dr. Nauman says, giving an example of what could be in the action plan. “That’s one of the main ways we can try to prevent these asthma attacks from happening and interfering with kids’ lives.”

Learn more

Read more about keeping kids healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Pediatric care at OSF includes local clinics like the one Dr. Nauman works at and OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.

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• Bathroom: This is the most obvious one, but it’s worth the reminder. Showers, sinks and toilets should be cleaned daily. Keep the space ventilated. At the first site of mold (look for brown, black or fuzzy white spots or a stale, musky odor), take action quickly. A bleach and water mix (one part bleach and 10 parts water) might do the trick, or you might need to call a professional.
  
  “Once a week, do a deep bathroom clean. Clean the bathtub, the toilet bowl and countertops,” Walker adds. “Even the toothbrush holder is missed a lot of times. So make sure that’s clean.”
  
  Clean your shower/tub from top to bottom. Flush the toilet with the lid down to prevent tiny germs from traveling through the air and onto items. Keep those items, like toothbrushes, away from the toilet. The American Dental Association also recommends not sharing toothbrushes and swapping out your toothbrush every three to four months.
   
• Kitchen: Sponges, cutting boards, sinks and refrigerator handles can all harbor germs, Walker says. Change or sanitize your sponges a couple times a week, she suggests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says to clean your cutting board with soap and warm water often, especially when working with raw meat. Use a wet wipe on your fridge handles.
   
• Laundry room: Walker says if you leave clothes in the washer too long, they can develop bacteria. So move them to dry promptly.
   
• Garage: “That’s a dark place that can harbor moisture, dust, mold and mildew,” Walker explains. “So a couple times a month, I would sweep it out. Make sure you’re getting cobwebs and bugs out. Just get rid of anything that’s collecting moisture.”

Take action

Walker says if you develop symptoms of an illness brought on by a dirty house, see a health care provider right away. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, bloody stool, coughing, headache, fatigue and skin issues like bumps or discoloration.

Photos

Interview clips

Vaccines are something many people associate with childhood: a series of shots following a schedule that gradually becomes less demanding. But adulthood comes with its own list of recommended immunizations, and keeping track of them can be surprisingly difficult.

That is why doctors often use annual physicals and preventive visits to review a person’s vaccination history and determine what vaccines are due.

Vaccine schedules can be pretty confusing. Talha Khan, MD, a family medicine physician for OSF HealthCare, says one way to simplify them is to think about vaccines in two groups.

“The first part is vaccines that are due for all age groups. So, things like the flu shot, the tetanus vaccine or the COVID-19 booster. The second part involves vaccines that are triggered by certain age requirements. So, things like the shingles vaccine, which is after age 50, or the pneumonia or pneumococcal vaccine, which is typically after age 65."

Dr. Khan says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC’s) adult schedule also recommends considering a patient's age, health conditions, pregnancy status, occupation and vaccination history when determining which vaccines are appropriate.

“Depending on if you have a weakened immune system or if you have a bunch of chronic conditions, such as asthma, COPD or diabetes, you may be eligible to get certain vaccines earlier.”

Can’t remember which vaccines you have received? Don't assume you are out of options.

Doctors can search existing medical records or request records from previous providers. For some diseases, blood tests known as antibody titers can help determine whether a person has immunity. When documentation is unavailable and no reliable test can establish immunity, clinicians may recommend catch-up vaccination rather than leaving someone unprotected.

"Most vaccines don't have an age cutoff," Dr. Khan points out. "If you ever didn't finish a vaccine series or missed a dose here and there, then we can always do some catch-up vaccines to make sure that person is immune.”

Here is a look at several vaccines adults may need to think about.

Flu: More than just a bad cold

Influenza vaccination is recommended every year because the viruses circulating from one flu season to another change, and protection decreases over time. The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for adults, with certain formulations preferred for people 65 and older.

Dr. Khan emphasizes that a flu shot does not guarantee that someone will never become infected.

“And some people will also mention ‘I got the flu vaccine but then I got the flu later on.’” Dr. Khan says, “It’s still possible to catch the flu because there are different strains of the flu. But typically, the extra layer of protection the vaccine offers will ensure you have a milder case of the flu.”

Another common misconception is that experiencing aches, fatigue or a low-grade fever after vaccination means someone has caught the flu from the shot. Those reactions can occur as a side-effect after vaccination and generally resolve within a few days.

COVID-19: Still part of vaccine conversation

COVID-19 may no longer dominate daily life the way it did years ago in the pandemic, but the virus continues to circulate, and vaccination remains part of the adult immunization schedule.

Current CDC guidance calls for COVID-19 vaccination according to age and health status, with recommendations subject to change as the vaccine formulation and public-health guidance are updated.

For people receiving both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, getting them during the same visit is an option. CDC guidance permits multiple vaccines to be administered during the same visit, and Dr. Khan suggests combining the appointments can be a practical way to avoid putting off one of the vaccines.

The goal is to enter respiratory illness season with protection against both viruses rather than treating vaccination as something to get around only after illness begins circulating.

Shingles: Two doses to help prevent a painful infection

For most adults, the shingles vaccine becomes an important consideration at age 50. The recombinant zoster vaccine, commonly known by the brand name Shingrix, is administered as a two-dose series. It is also recommended for certain adults with weakened immune systems at younger ages. It is also a vaccination that once you’ve received the shots, you have immunity for life.

Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox, which remains dormant in the body after the initial infection, becomes reactivated. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain that may persist after the rash disappears.

The illness can also affect areas such as the eye, where complications can be particularly affected. Dr. Khan describes the choice as a tradeoff between a temporary inconvenience and the possibility of a painful infection.

HPV: A vaccine that helps prevent cancer

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is commonly associated with sexual transmission, but the reason doctors recommend vaccination well before most people become sexually active is cancer prevention.

HPV infection can cause several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile and certain cancers of the mouth and throat. The CDC routinely recommends HPV vaccination through age 26 for people who were not adequately vaccinated earlier; adults ages 27 through 45 might also consider vaccination based on a discussion with a health care professional.

The vaccine can be started as early as age nine. When vaccination begins before the 15th birthday, the routine series generally requires two doses; people who begin later generally need three.

MMR: Don't assume childhood records are complete

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella. Because the vaccine is routinely administered in childhood, adults may not remember whether they received the recommended doses.

For people without documentation of vaccination or evidence of immunity, clinicians can review medical records or, in appropriate circumstances, order antibody testing to look for evidence of immunity. Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or by direct contact with infected nose or throat secretions.

Illinois has 22 documented cases, and Michigan has 16 cases for 2026 at publication time. Dr. Khan highly encourages adults who are unsure of their vaccination status to check and get vaccinated.

“It’s definitely something that is preventable. It’s definitely something that can have long-term complications and even lead to death. If we can prevent it, then why not?” Dr. Khan stresses, “It’s only a two-dose series. If you missed it when you were younger, there’s no age cutoff. You can get it as an adult with the catch-up vaccines.”

Tetanus: The vaccine adults commonly forget

The tetanus vaccine is one of the easiest adult vaccines to overlook because it is not administered every year.

Adults generally receive a Tdap dose if they have not previously received one as an adult, followed by Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. Tetanus vaccination can also become relevant when someone has certain wounds, and Tdap is recommended during each pregnancy.

RSV: Important for infants and older adults

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, can cause mild illness in many people but can become serious in infants and older adults. CDC guidance identifies RSV as a major cause of hospitalization among infants and recommends immunization strategies for infants, pregnant women and for adults 75 and older and for adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. People who have already received an RSV vaccine generally should not receive another dose at this time.

For babies, the terminology can be confusing because the protection may come either from a maternal vaccine or from an antibody administered directly to the infant. CDC recommends that most babies receive one of those two forms of protection, rather than both.

Pregnant women can receive Pfizer's RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy during the recommended seasonal window in most of the continental United States. Alternatively, an eligible infant can receive a long-acting RSV antibody after birth.

For infants born during the RSV season, the CDC says the antibody can be administered during the baby's first week of life, ideally during the birth hospitalization, when indicated.

Hepatitis A and B: Two different vaccines

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B are viral infections that affect the liver, but vaccination recommendations for the two are different.

Hepatitis A vaccination is generally targeted toward people with particular risk factors, including certain travelers and others at increased risk of infection. Hepatitis B vaccination is much more broadly recommended. It is routinely given during childhood, but adults who were not vaccinated or did not complete the series can receive catch-up vaccination.

Hepatitis B can sometimes be cleared by the body's immune system, but chronic infection can cause serious liver disease.

For adults unsure whether they received hepatitis B vaccination, reviewing records is a good starting point. Depending on the circumstances, blood testing can also help determine whether you are protected or not.

A preventive visit or annual exam can be an opportunity to plan, identify which vaccines are most appropriate and schedule additional doses when necessary. For adults, staying protected is an ongoing part of preventive health care.

Dr. Talha Khan is a family medicine physician for OSF HealthCare in Bloomington, Illinois.

Video clips of Dr. Talha Kahn

B-roll-Vaccination

The Parvovirus vaccine is common and recommended for all dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

What is Parvovirus?

It’s nothing new, says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

“It's a seasonal viral infection and it's spread by respiratory droplets," according to Dr. Kasper. “The majority of people will be exposed in childhood. Daycares, schools and any setting where you have kids together, touching each other and common equipment, you'll see Parvovirus spread.”

Symptoms and treatments

The main symptom is a rash that appears on the cheek, referred to as “slapped cheek rash.”

"Right now, we're seeing an increase in Parvovirus cases, but there is some bias to that. We don't routinely check kids for Parvovirus because it's a self-limiting illness. Some kids will get a rash, some will get a fever or not feel well for a bit of time," Dr. Kasper says. “But it usually resolves within a week, and it resolves with supportive care like hydration, sleep and maybe some Tylenol.”

The treatment of parvovirus lands in the realm of common sense. Monitor yourself and your child’s symptoms, wash your hands and stay home when sick. With the virus spread through respiratory droplets, sanitizing commonly touched surfaces is a good idea.

Who is most at risk?

The greatest risk concern is for pregnant women, because mothers can pass parvovirus to the fetus.

"There can be, especially in the first trimester, associated risks with the fetus that would require monitoring with ultrasounds to see if there is a severe infection. There are also older populations that are immunocompromised, specifically those with sickle cell anemia, where Parvovirus can cause problems with anemias or blood cell lines,” Dr. Kasper says.

Parvovirus and dogs

While the human and canine strains of parvovirus are different, Dr. Kasper says viral infections can come from pets, and that’s not limited to just the parvovirus. But he says he’s not worried about the transfer of the virus from dogs to people, because the parvovirus can’t actively change between the two.

Video Interview Clips

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are more popular than ever, leading people to seek options that are quicker, cheaper and involve less prying questions than a traditional in-person doctor visit.

But here’s a statistic that should give you pause: Casey Zaring, RPh, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist at OSF HealthCare, says a 2023 audit by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA] found 95% of online pharmacies were not legitimate. This leads to concerns about getting bilked out of money or taking a counterfeit drug that could bring serious side effects.

“It skips a lot of checks and balances,” Zaring says of the online outlets. For one, he says, these websites typically don’t have a pharmacist check your full medical history to make sure you’re getting the right drug.

Legit or not?

Some red flags to look for when deciding to buy prescription drugs online:

• Is the website based outside the United States?
  
• Do you start on one website and get pushed to another to complete the transaction?
  
• Does the site guarantee you cost savings? Zaring says it may look like a deal up front, but the final price tag might not be so good. Or, you might unintentionally sign up for auto-renewals. Zaring recommends first checking to see if your insurance will cover a medication.
  
• Have other people or agencies flagged the outlet for possible problems? Zaring recommends the websites safe.pharmacy and BeSafeRx to check if the pharmacy is registered with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies and complying with the law.
  
  “How we know an online pharmacy is legal is they require a prescription by a licensed practitioner. You have a pharmacist review things, and the consumer has access to a pharmacist to ask questions,” Zaring explains. “Look for the outlet to be based in the United States and have a license in your state. Some online pharmacies will provide medications for patients even though they don’t have a license in the patient's state.”

Another law pharmacies have to follow is the Drug Supply Chain Security act. Zaring says this ensures all medications are logged and accounted for as they move from the manufacturer to the distributor. This makes sure all medications in the supply chain are legitimate and safe.

“In December 2025, the Food and Drug Administration warned about fake Ozempic,” Zaring recalls, noting what can go wrong if laws aren’t followed. “It looked almost identical to real Ozempic. It had lot numbers and expiration dates. But what they had done is created a syringe that looked similar and put on fake stickers.

“What pharmacists do then is go through and scan every medication that enters the pharmacy to ensure it’s directly from the manufacturer,” Zaring adds.

Consequences

Zaring says pharmacists’ biggest fear with these websites is someone putting something non-legitimate or harmful in their bodies. Is the syringe sterile? Has the drug expired? Is the dose correct? Is it properly diluted? Is it interacting with my other medications? Ingesting fake medications could lead to infections or other serious side effects.

Speaking on weight loss drugs: “If something is off by a decimal point, it’s a tenfold error. It can cause lack of movement in your gastrointestinal tract, obstructions and gallbladder attacks,” Zaring says. “If a person isn’t aware of the risks and talking to a pharmacist, they can upgrade their dose too quickly and cause more adverse effects like dehydration. Also with some of these online websites, there’s not continuous monitoring by a health care provider. No labs, check-ins or follow ups.

“The cost saving may be up front, but at the back end there may be an overall greater cost of having to see more health care providers because of adverse reactions or infections,” Zaring also warns.

If you’ve done business with an online pharmacy and have concerns, Zaring recommends talking to your primary care provider or a pharmacist at an in-person, well-recognized business. You can even bring the medication for them to inspect. You can also report pharmacies to the FDA at the BeSafeRx website.

Learn more

Read more about how OSF HealthCare pharmacists bring medication to you safely on the OSF HealthCare website. Some OSF HealthCare locations also have retail pharmacies that can be used regardless of whether you’re an OSF patient.

Interview clips

Frequently asked questions

You’re coming to the hospital to give birth.

You’ve had a hip replacement and now will have a hospital stay to complete rehabilitation.

There are a lot of things swirling through your mind, notably thoughts like “Am I going to be OK?”

Questions like “Where is my toothbrush?” are probably on the backburner. That’s why it’s a good idea to make a “hospital essential items” checklist now.

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, sees these scenarios plenty while providing care in the emergency department at OSF HealthCare. He says a hospital will provide basic toiletries, blankets, food and clothing like a gown and socks. But some people prefer their own toiletries, clothes and snacks.

Other things to do and bring:

· Write down your health information: health insurance, medications, medical history, name of your primary care provider, allergies and legal documents like power of attorney and a do not resuscitate order. Have an identification like a driver's license, too.

“Some people in the emergency department are not able to tell us their health information given what they’re presenting for. So, it’s so valuable to have basic health information written down,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. He adds that knowing your health information allows providers to care for you properly. You can also bring legal forms to your provider anytime to be added to your medical record.

· Bring other items essential to your well-being: eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures and a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) for sleeping. Bring cases and batteries for these items, too.

· When choosing clothes, opt for loose-fitting and short-sleeved garments.

“If you have an IV, a short-sleeved shirt is much better to access it than a long-sleeved shirt,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. “You can bring a robe to cover up.”

· For moms giving birth, bring your birth plan in written form. Pack a few pairs of clothes for you and your baby.

“Babies notoriously spit up on their clothes,” Dr. Bloomstrand says with a smirk.

The hospital can provide diapers, wipes and a breast pump. But, you can bring your own if you prefer a certain type.

“Not only can you use your breast pump, the people at the hospital can teach you how to use it,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

What babies don’t need at the hospital: rattles, books and toys. Save those memories for home.

· Don’t overdo it with personal items and food. This can cause your room to get cluttered and create a trip hazard. Have someone who can take unneeded items home.

· Don’t bring valuable items. Dr. Bloomstrand says a phone is OK to keep in touch with loved ones. But other electronics and jewelry should stay home. Hospitals have security, but like any other place, there is a chance for theft.

Interview clips

This is part one of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part two.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: There’s a one-size-fits-all pill for common illnesses.

Fact: It depends on whether it’s a viral infection (like influenza, the common cold or coronavirus) or a bacterial infection (like pneumonia, strep throat or food-borne illnesses like salmonella).

“For the most part, with bacterial infections you need to see a health care provider. You’re probably going to need an antibiotic,” Dr. Alyami says. “Most viral infections just run their course, and you focus on the symptoms. If you have a fever, you take fever medication. If you have pain, you take pain medication. If kids are six years or older and have a cough, they can use over-the-counter cough medication.”

Dr. Alyami points out that you can take those medications to help with bacterial infection symptoms, too. But you need an antibiotic, too, to get better.

• Myth: Feed a cold and starve a fever.

Fact: You should modify your diet when sick to avoid trigger foods, like spicy or greasy foods. But reducing the amount you eat and drink won’t make you better sooner. In fact, Dr. Alyami says hydration is critical.

“When kids have infections and a fever, one of the most common reasons they end up in the hospital is dehydration,” Dr. Alyami says. “When kids are sick, they lose fluids from their body and need hydration.”

So, drink plenty of water and eat nutritious foods as your body can tolerate.

• Myth: I can go back to work or school as soon as I start to feel better.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says you should be fever-free (body temperature less than 100.4 degrees) for 24 hours with improving symptoms.

When you go back out, practice good habits like thorough handwashing and avoiding coughing or sneezing into the open air.

• Myth: If I don’t look or feel dirty, I don’t need to shower or bathe.

Fact: Dr. Alyami says there’s no “catch all” advice for how often to wash off. Some people will shower or bathe daily. Others will do so every other day or less frequently. Dr. Alyami advises you to shower or bathe when you feel you need to or after you’ve been in a dirty or sweaty environment, like after playing sports or a hike in the woods. People with skin conditions should also clean themselves with care.

“For people with eczema or atopic dermatitis, I recommend daily showers,” Dr. Alyami says. “But they need to be quick because the more exposure to water we have, the more we dehydrate the skin. So, showers should not exceed 15 minutes, and you should apply moisturizer right away afterward.”

Interview clips

Author's note: this is part one of a two part story on staying healthy during summer vacations. Click here for part two.


Summer means getaways to de-stress and make memories. But the last thing you want is to catch a cold or worse, especially if you’re halfway across the world where health care resources might be different or scarce.

It's not too late to make some quick preparations, says Jennifer Whitfill, APRN, a family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare.

• Stop by the doctor’s office: Whitfill says if you haven’t seen your primary care provider for a physical exam in a while, make an appointment before vacation to address any lingering health issues. This could include getting vaccines depending on your health and where you’re going. Whitfill says typhoid fever (seen in southern Africa, Asia, Central America and South America), yellow fever (Africa), hepatitis A (remote or underdeveloped areas) and rabies are ailments to protect yourself against.
   
• Stock up on over-the-counter medication.
  
  “It’s important to be prepared,” for when these medications are needed, Whitfill says. “Consider packing Tylenol or ibuprofen, anti-allergy medicines like Claritin, Zyrtec and Benadryl. Dramamine is a good one for motion sickness or nausea. Some people reach out to their provider if they’re going on a cruise. There’s a prescription called a scopolamine patch that you can put behind your ear. It’s good for three days and helps offset motion sickness.

“Eyedrops are good if you have seasonal allergies. Over-the-counter saline or Pataday drops,” Whitfill adds. “Creams like hydrocortisone and triple antibiotic ointment are good to have.”

For outdoor trips like camping, essentials including a first aid kit, sunscreen and bug spray are must-haves, too. Know if you’re on a medication, such as certain acne creams and menstrual cycle medications, that makes you more prone to sunburn.

And regardless of what you pack, Whitfill says flyers should check the Transportation Security Administration guidelines about what can come on a plane. She says to leave medicines in their original packaging when preparing airport luggage.

• Medicine, part two – before you go: You might hear travel bloggers say to boost your immune health before traveling to reduce your risk of catching something. Is the advice overblown?
  
  Whitfill says no. She says elderberry, vitamin C and D and zinc are all good supplements to take before a trip. Start three to four weeks before departure, if you can. And if you have concerns about supplements interacting with prescription medication, talk to your provider.
   
• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for travel advisories about disease outbreaks, civil unrest and more.

Interview clips

Related stories

Take a vacation for your health
Fun in the sun: Remembering more than sunscreen
Stay safe on the farm
Stay safe on the water
Jet lag buster: Tips for smooth travel

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.

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

In Illinois, only 24.4% of eligible people have received their flu vaccines this season. For kids ages 0-4, only 25.1% have gotten vaccinated. For children 5-17, it drops to 18.1%.

Illinois Department of Public Health’s goal? 70%. 

Some Americans tend to think the flu is just a seasonal inconvenience, but Dr. Bakir has seen the consequences of limited vaccination rates firsthand.

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

"As a resident, I have seen kids die from hepatitis and hepatitis B related cirrhosis (irreversible scarring of the liver) and cancer," Dr. Bakir says. "Ten years after vaccination was implemented, we have seen none if they are vaccinated."

"I saw kids dying in front of my eyes from tetanus if they are not vaccinated," he adds. "I have seen a lot of cases of polio. Small kids paralyzed for life. It's easily preventable with vaccination." 

Severe flu complications are much more possible in those who are unvaccinated. Dr. Bakir says one third of flu patients admitted to the hospital will develop pneumonia.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that 32 influenza-related pediatric deaths have occurred in the 2025-2026 season. Among kids who were eligible for influenza vaccination, 90% of the deaths were in kids who were not fully vaccinated against the virus.

"Severe Influenza complications have been seen in the most vulnerable patients. Like older adults, kids 5 years and younger and those who have chronic diseases," Dr. Bakir says. "They should be protected. The greatest protection is provided by immunization.”

To learn more about what vaccines you or your child are eligible for, or to schedule your vaccination, visit osfhealthcare.org.

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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, says viral myositis typically appears a few days after the onset of a viral illness.

What is viral myositis?

Viral myositis refers to inflammation of the muscles caused by a viral infection. A specific and more common form in children is known as benign acute childhood myositis (BACM).

“Benign acute childhood myositis (BACM) is more likely to be seen with influenza,” Dr. Bakir says.

In these cases, the virus can trigger muscle inflammation after the initial respiratory symptoms begin to improve.

“Viral myositis, oftentimes, starts with influenza and then begins to cause damage in the person's muscles, also known as muscle inflammation.”

Common symptoms and who is affected

Viral myositis most often affects the calf muscles and can significantly impact how a child walks.

“Calves are almost exclusively affected by viral myositis, as well as gait (walking pattern).”

Children may complain of sudden leg pain, stiffness or difficulty walking, sometimes refusing to walk altogether. The condition is most seen in younger kids.

“This is likely a benign condition, but it takes about three to seven days to heal. It's mostly seen in school-aged children between 4 and 7 years of age,” Dr. Bakir says. “Usually, it presents with this pain and gait problems. Patients usually are out of school for those days.”

Treatment and recovery

In most cases, viral myositis resolves on its own within about a week. Supportive care at home is often sufficient, with a strong focus on hydration and pain control.

“Fluid support is important to prevent kidney damage. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen both decrease the pain and inflammation,” Dr. Bakir says.

Encouraging children to drink water and electrolyte-containing fluids is especially important during recovery.

When to seek emergency care

While viral myositis is usually mild, some symptoms require urgent medical evaluation. Severe pain, inability to walk or extreme muscle tenderness may signal a more serious condition.

“We must differentiate severe myositis from benign acute childhood myositis. If the patient has very severe pain and can't walk, they must be seen in the emergency department,” Dr. Bakir says. “The physician will decide if this is serious, and if the patient needs to be admitted.”

In rare cases, viral infections can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a severe breakdown of muscle tissue that can affect the kidneys.

“Those patients who refuse to walk and have very tender muscles with severe pain should be seen in the ED,” Dr. Bakir says. “Because we must differentiate those acute conditions from the more severe muscle involvement. This is rarely seen with influenza and other viral infections. We call it rhabdomyolysis.”

Dr. Bakir notes that kidney failure can occur in extreme cases and must be treated in the hospital.

“Because of the breakdown of muscle cells, the kidney canals may become blocked,” Dr. Bakir says.

Rising flu cases and prevention concerns

Dr. Bakir also points to a noticeable increase in influenza cases among children since the COVID-19 pandemic ended.

“Children under five years of age are more likely to have influenza compared to the other ages,” Dr. Bakir says. “There is a significant increase in childhood influenza since the end of the COVID-19 era.”

Low vaccination rates remain a major concern.

“Why can't we decrease the flu numbers? Because, especially in Illinois, the reported coverage of the influenza vaccine is only 24.4%. This is not optimal and sufficient to predict epidemics and complications in this community,” Dr. Bakir says.

Bottom line

Dr. Bakir emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs – such as severe pain or refusal to walk – that may signal the need for emergency care. As flu activity continues to rise, prevention efforts, including vaccination and early medical evaluation, remain key to reducing complications in children.

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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 increases 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.

Vaccine decisions start with informed conversations

“Vaccination is an individual decision, but the impact of the vaccine protects both the individual and their family cohort, work cohort. If they're in school, it can protect that community,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “We want people to be as educated as possible and make the best decision for themself. That's really going to come down to a discussion with them and their medical provider.”

For older generations who remember “just getting the measles,” today’s medical guidance recognizes that while infection can create immunity, it also carries significant risks – and vaccines provide a much safer pathway to the same immune protection.

How flu vaccines strengthen natural immunity

“Flu vaccines, historically, never match up perfectly to all the influenza strains that circulate in the community. What we do know is that immunity is cumulative; it's a library across a person's life and it has all of their prior infections and vaccines. It builds up over time,” Dr. Kasper says.

He explains that vaccines support and expand your natural immune memory.

“Receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, while the protection it may provide in any year may be different; over time there are benefits to doing this activity, so that you have a robust variety of immunity. As the seasonal infections change, you may be protected from something that happened in the past.”

This means vaccines don't replace natural immunity – they contribute to it, adding layers of defense that reduce the severity of illness and strengthen long-term protection.

Why vaccines remain a powerful community tool

Vaccines benefit individuals, but they also help stabilize the entire health system.

“When we talk about vaccination, we talk about it at a population level. We would like every individual to not get sick, but we also know that with hospitals, urgent cares and emergency departments, that we are trying to keep the system functional,” Dr. Kasper says. “We do that by getting as few people sick as possible, and vaccines are a very useful tool to help the individual help their community and help the medical system.”

A season of multiple circulating viruses

As families enter the stretch leading up to Christmas, flu activity is increasing on both coasts – often a preview of what will soon reach the Midwest.

COVID-19 continues to circulate year-round, RSV season is underway and Central Illinois is just beginning to see early influenza activity. Early surveillance suggests this year’s flu vaccine may not be a perfect match, but even imperfect vaccines help reduce severity, hospitalizations and complications. They also continue contributing to the “immune library” that protects people long-term.

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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.

“A lot of times it’s due to the local inflammation that persists. There’s not much to do for it, we typically recommend antihistamines, and sometimes you’ll have to cycle those,” Dr. Ayala says. “It’s usually something that subsides with time. But if it doesn’t, then obviously that may need to be looked at.”

Antihistamines can include Claritin-D, Benadryl, Allegra and more. These can be found over the counter and do not require a prescription.

For many, colder temperatures bring on an uptick in mucus in your throat. For this, Dr. Ayala says another over the counter option, Mucinex, may be a good choice for you.

Dr. Ayala recommends keeping a close eye on your symptoms. As more people are getting colds and viruses this time of year, it’s important to not let local hospitals get overrun if you can treat your symptoms at home.

“As long as you don’t have some of the red flags, like a persistent fever, high-grade fever that lasts more than one to three days. Something that won’t go away, despite using temporary measures like Tylenol or Motrin. If this persists more than two or three days, this might be something that needs to be looked at,” Dr. Ayala says.

Should you go to the doctor?

COVID-19, RSV, strep and the flu are very contagious, but usually can be treated at home. If you have symptoms such as cough or sore throat, but they are mild and you do not have a high risk health condition, you can take a COVID-19 test at home and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications. 

Go to the doctor if you…

Have symptoms that haven’t gotten better after 10 days, have difficulty breathing, or have a preexisting condition like diabetes, asthma, or COPD. If you have white spots on the back of your throat, this is a clear sign of an infection and will need medical intervention prescribed by a licensed medical provider.

How to stay healthy

Wash your hands, cover your cough and stay home if you’re sick.

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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Before vaccines, nearly every child in the United States caught the virus. Today, however, public health experts emphasize that while natural immunity does occur after infection, the risks of measles are far too high when compared to the protection offered by the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Early 2025 data show rising cases in the U.S., a reminder that measles still spreads quickly wherever vaccination rates dip.

Natural immunity and the role of vaccines

“Natural immunity is wonderful. It's part of the evolution of the human body that has taken all our exposures and creates a memory for them, so that we can protect ourselves in the future. Vaccines augment (improve) that. There are some infections that an individual doesn't have to go through, or are so severe to go through, that receiving a vaccine is more valuable,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

He notes that measles is one of those infections.

“Measles is highly infective and has potential complications in our child population. The key with measles is that the vaccine is so effective at preventing infection. It's unanimously beneficial to receive and has been that way for a long time in the United States.”

For older generations who remember having measles as kids, it can be easy to assume it wasn’t serious. But modern evidence paints a different picture: measles can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, brain inflammation, long-term complications and death – even in healthy children.

Why measles vaccination remains essential for kids

“Fortunately, measles vaccination remains part of the normal pediatric vaccine schedule. It's something that would be discussed with the parent regarding their child at a standard visit,” Dr. Kasper says. “We strongly recommend all children receive all their childhood vaccinations, which includes the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The timing of that vaccine begins at one year of age, but it can sometimes be given earlier if there is a local outbreak of measles in the community.”

MMR vaccination rates need to remain extremely high, typically above 95%, to prevent outbreaks. However, declining vaccination rates across parts of the Americas have caused concern. The Pan American Health Organization recently warned that the region may lose its measles elimination status without urgent action.

Vaccines build a “library” of protection

The goal of vaccination isn’t to replace the body’s defenses – it’s to strengthen them.

“In the hospital, we tend to see people that get sicker, so that's what we focus our efforts on. But a lot of medicine is done outside of the hospital, and that is preventive medicine,” Dr. Kasper says. “So, the strategy with vaccine is to try not to get sick or try to get less sick than you would've. Use the utility of the vaccine, along with natural immunity, to build up your individual reservoir as much as possible to protect you in the future.”

This “reservoir” or “library” of immunity is especially important with a virus as contagious as measles, which can linger in the air for hours and infect up to 90% of unprotected people who are exposed.

Localized outbreaks are driving current cases

While measles is not widespread across the U.S., localized outbreaks continue to occur in communities where vaccination rates have dropped. Public health departments monitor these cases closely and respond with tools such as:

• Rapid case investigations
• Community education
• Mobile vaccination units
• Early MMR vaccination for children who qualify

Without high vaccination coverage, these small outbreaks can grow quickly. That’s why maintaining strong MMR rates is essential – to protect children, prevent community spread and preserve decades of progress toward measles elimination.

For more information on measles symptoms and long-term risks, visit the OSF Newsroom.

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According to the manufacturer, “FLUMIST is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza in people ages 2 through 49 years.”

FluMist is now available for home delivery

The ability to order FluMist online marks a major milestone in flu prevention accessibility.

“What's unique about this year is that there is a nasal mist influenza vaccine that parents can choose to receive at home. They can go through the manufacturer's website for FluMist, put in their information and it will arrive to their house,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “They can then self-administer nasal spray to their children. This really cuts down on the need to make an appointment in a clinic or relieves anxiety for children who are scared of needles.”

Dr. Kasper adds that this option is particularly helpful for families who previously relied on limited in-store availability.

“My kids don't like to get shots, so I would get them the nasal mist, but there were only a few carriers in Central Illinois. Sam's Club has it, so I would take them to the Sam's Club pharmacy to get it,” he says. “But the big change was that recently they started to make it available by mail order.”

Through the manufacturer’s website, families can enter insurance information, and in many cases the vaccine may be low cost or no cost at all. The process typically takes five minutes or less, and the product arrives on ice, ready for home administration.

How nasal spray vaccines can be a helpful option

Dr. Kasper notes that the mail-order nasal spray represents a shift in how families can approach routine vaccination.

“That's a much different prerogative for how we've approached vaccines in the past. Offering this, instead of having to make an appointment where the parent takes time off work, the child gets anxiety and doesn't want to go,” he says.

CDC data shows that vaccination access can significantly affect overall flu prevention strategies and community protection.

Helping kids stay healthy – and in school

For school-aged children, vaccination can directly influence attendance and participation in activities.

“I would use the flu nasal mist as a success for what can be offered. This can be very effective within a community to increase flu vaccine rates,” Dr. Kasper says. “For school-aged kids, flu vaccination rates are currently at 50% or less. This correlates with the child's attendance in school and participation in extracurricular activities. We want those things to be as high as possible, and the strategy to help that is to receive appropriate vaccine.”

Future of nasal vaccine technology

Nasal spray vaccine technology could expand beyond influenza. In the coming years, researchers expect to see further development of similar delivery systems – including potential nasal options for COVID-19.

More details on the 2025-2026 flu season can be found through the U.S. U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) flu website.

A full library of respiratory illness articles can be found on the OSF Newsroom.

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It’s the dead of winter, and you need to run to the mailbox or let your dog out. It’s just a minute, you think. A sweater and sandals will be fine.

Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall who sees cold weather injuries often. She says exposure to frigid temperatures can have serious consequences.

Types of cold weather injuries

• Frostnip: Draper says this is a mild form of frostbite where exposure to cold temperatures turns the skin pink or red. Your skin may feel burning or numb.

“The numbness typically goes away with rewarming,” Draper says.

• Frostbite: This is a more severe case of cold exposure. Your skin may be numb and appear yellow, white, gray or black. It may feel waxy and have blisters.
   
• Hypothermia: This is when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees.

“There are different stages,” Draper explains. “The first is our natural response of shivering. It gets more severe. The person may get confused and have lethargy, memory loss and slurred speech. It can lead to a coma and death.”

Inside, too?

Yes, there’s a risk for these injuries inside, too, Draper says. Notably, there have been cases of infants getting hypothermia.

“The room may be too cold, and they’re not dressed appropriately,” Draper says. “If they’re in a bassinet or crib with just a onesie and it’s cold, that can lead to hypothermia.”

Signs of infant hypothermia are bright red skin and decreased energy. Sleep experts use a thermal overall grade scale (TOG) to suggest how much clothing a baby should wear to sleep depending on the temperature of the room.

Treatment

Draper says she usually sees cases of frostbite and hypothermia sent to the emergency department. Providers will rewarm you with warm water or blankets and may provide warm liquids to drink, warmed oxygen through a mask and nasal tube or heated fluids through an intravenous line (IV) or other methods. Medication can also help with pain and blood flow.

“The hospital has more imaging resources to see the impact of the tissue damage,” compared to urgent care, Draper says.

For frostnip, you can take steps to warm up at home.

“It’s not as fast as possible. It’s not as hot as possible. It’s just that gradual warming,” Draper says. “Get off your cool or wet clothes immediately. You don’t want to stick your hands or feet into hot, steaming water. Just warm water.”

That’s because hot water can burn your skin. And if your skin is numb, you may not feel the burn before the damage is done. If water is not available, you can place your hands in your armpits. And handle the sensitive skin gently. Don’t rub or massage it. If your feet are affected, get off your feet.

Prevention

Draper says older adults, people who work or do activities outside (like hunters or hikers), unhoused people and people with medical conditions (like peripheral artery disease, diabetes and Raynaud’s disease) are at a higher risk of cold weather injuries. Getting stranded in a vehicle without proper protection is also common in the winter. Drinking alcohol or using drugs may lead to you losing consciousness outside. And smoking impacts blood circulation, putting you at a higher risk, Draper says.

Some ways to beat the cold:

• Dress in layers. You can always take a layer off, but you can’t put one on if you leave it at home. Make a hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots part of your wardrobe. Make sure the clothes aren’t too tight to allow for blood circulation. And look for water-resistant garments when buying clothes.
   
• Have winter weather supplies, like blankets, flares, a first aid kit and food, in your vehicle.
   
• Be well fed and hydrated. Body fat, though unhealthy in excess, helps us stay warm. For drinks, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
   
• During outdoor activities, take breaks and go with a buddy. Keep a close eye on kids who may not realize how cold they are. Come inside to change from wet to dry clothes. Let others know your plans and when you’ll be back. If you’re not back in time, that’s a sign you may have fallen victim to the cold, and help should be sent.

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Emily Isom has a resolution for kids and their parents: 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. Here’s a primer:

Nail hygiene

Isom says people of all ages should trim their nails regularly. Once a week for fingernails and once or twice a month for toenails is a good rule of thumb. In between trimmings, watch for dirt and other filthy matter caught under the tip of the nail. Some nail clippers come with a scraper tool to remove that debris. But don’t use your mouth to clean your nails.

“Our nails carry so many germs and bacteria. That’s how people keep getting sick and spreading illness,” Isom warns, referring to putting fingernails in your mouth or on your face. You can also chip teeth and get facial warts and pimples from putting nails on your face, she says.

Some people have long nails, either real or artificial. In these cases, use a nail brush to regularly wipe the nails clean. If you’re at work or school and don’t have a brush, wash the nails thoroughly. Lather warm water and soap on the palms of your hands. Take your fingertips and scratch against the palm of the other hand to get the soap in the fingernail. Do that for 20 seconds. Then, pull down the fingertips to the palm of the same hand and massage the soap in further. Put your hands upside down under hot running water to rinse.

Hand washing

Isom says most people concentrate on their palms when hand washing.

“You need to get in between the fingers, underneath the nails, on the back of the hands, rub your knuckles together and scrub your wrists,” Isom says.

After wetting your hands, scrub all those areas in soap for 20 seconds. Find a song that has a 20-second chorus and hum it while you scrub. Then, rinse under warm water, and dry your hands with a clean, dry towel. Isom also suggests wrapping a paper towel around your hand when touching dirty surfaces on your way out of the bathroom. Use the towel to shut off the faucet and open the door, then throw the towel away after you exit.

If a hand dryer is what’s available, run your hands under the warm air until they are completely dry. Resist the urge to dry halfway and walk out. Isom says that may do more harm than good and attract bacteria faster.

“Bacteria want to live on wet surfaces. They’re attracted to moistness,” she points out.

If a soap and sink aren’t available, Isom says to use sanitizer or wipes that are at least 60% alcohol based. The same process applies – lather or wipe all parts of your hand and wrist thoroughly.

If you have a cut or wound on your hand, like a paper cut, wash with care.

“Get a washcloth wet with warm water. Put soap on it. Then, clean around the cut or wound,” Isom says. “Don’t put [soap] directly into the cut. That could really irritate it.”

Convincing kids

Isom is a pediatrics provider and a mother. So, she knows getting kids to wash their hands and mind their nails is easier said than done. Her advice: make it fun.

“When handwashing, sing the ABCs for 20 seconds. Or have them sing to you.” Isom suggests. “Make a chart. Every time they wash their hands, have them put a sticker on the chart. They are going to fall in love with it and want to wash their hands over and over again.”

And remember Simon Says? Isom says it works with her daughter.

“Simon says don’t touch your face,” Isom says with a smirk.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your hands clean and prevent the spread of illnesses on the OSF HealthCare and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.

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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.

COPD basics

Dr. Daley says more than 300 million people suffer from COPD, and it’s is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

“It’s a destruction of the lung tissue in the airways. A lot of inflammation and destruction over time that causes the condition to manifest itself in people in different ways,” Dr. Daley says.

Those ways include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and fever. Dr. Daley points out that those symptoms overlap with a similar disease: asthma. But each has their differences, too.

“Asthma is seen as a disease of the young. People with asthma usually have that diagnosis at a much earlier age than someone with COPD,” Dr. Daley explains. “The textbooks will tell you that you typically see COPD in the sixth decade of life. So, people in their 60s, 70s and 80s.”

Treatment

Dr. Daley says many of the people he sees know they are having a COPD flare up.

“We immediately get them into a room. We put them on oxygen. We initiate various therapies that have been shown throughout the years to work well,” he says. “We’d give them steroids, antibiotics and inhalers over the course of one to three hours. We observe them and watch them improve.”

Though Dr. Daley says it’s not frequent, people can come to the hospital with a severe COPD flare up.

“They’re not moving any air at all. They’re in extreme distress,” he says.

That person would go on a ventilator to, first and foremost, save their life, but also to get them breathing more easily again. Dr. Daley says after a few days on a ventilator, health care providers would then tap into other treatments.

Long-term, a person may go on a nebulizer. It’s a machine that delivers a mist of medicine inside your body through a mouthpiece or mask. The medicine helps your airways to relax and expand, allowing you to breathe easier. This is different from an oxygen tank.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in a hospital or clinic is also a common part of treatment. Like lifting weights to build up muscle, pulmonary rehab involves exercises to work your way back to as normal breathing as possible.

“Often they’ll do what’s called chest physiotherapy. They wear a percussion vest. That helps them cough up a lot of mucus and phlegm inside their lungs that’s preventing them from breathing [well],” Dr. Daley says. “They also do a lot of breathing exercises that will help their airways expand. That leads to a better quality of life.”

Prevention

Dr. Daley says smoking tobacco is a leading cause of COPD, especially in the United States. Worldwide, air pollution is also a trigger, whether that’s outdoor smog or indoor dust and dander.

“We’re actually seeing a much younger population presenting with COPD. People in their 30s and 40s. Just because of very heavy tobacco usage,” Dr. Daley says.

So if you’re a smoker, make a plan to stop. If you live in a smoggy area, avoid prolonged exposure. Consider wearing a mask when outside. And keep your home clean and well-ventilated.

Dr. Daley adds that respiratory viruses like influenza can make COPD worse, leading to an uptick of cases in the winter. So, take basic hygiene steps to avoid those seasonal illnesses: wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow, stay home when sick and be up to date on vaccinations.

Learn more

Read more about how OSF helps people with conditions like COPD recover at home.

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.”

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As the respiratory virus season kicks into high gear, virtual urgent care is a great option.  

Instead of having to wait until a walk-in clinic opens, OSF OnCall offers virtual care options that are available 24/7 year-round, including holidays and weekends. Some of issues that can be handled virtually include colds, stuffy or runny nose, cough, headache, sore throat, fever, or muscle aches, urinary tract infections, bites and stings, fatigue, upset stomach, pink eye, rashes.

If you are having difficulty breathing, that’s a medical emergency and you should go straight to the Emergency Department.

Kate Barth, vice president/chief nursing officer for On-Demand Services, OSF OnCall, says consumers want health care options that are convenient, like what they’re used to experiencing with online shopping and banking. That’s why OSF offers lower-cost, easy virtual urgent care options, especially when a minor illness or injury happens after hours.

“It’s the mom with multiple children who are sleeping and (she thinks) ‘I have a sick kiddo who I cannot console and what do I do?’ Seeking out virtual urgent care in those options is such a great opportunity to connect with a provider who typically would serve you in that urgent care setting,” says Barth.

For a flat fee, you can choose an online interview, or a video visit and you’ll be connected with the same experienced providers you’d see during an in-person visit to an OSF OnCall Urgent Care clinic.

Individuals who want to virtually access OSF OnCall Urgent Care can select an online interview (taking between 5-15 minutes), where they’re asked a series of questions about symptoms and how they’re feeling. Their information will be reviewed within an hour. Using a chat feature, additional information could be requested before an OSF HealthCare provider offers a treatment plan. 

If a provider needs to visualize something, a video visit is also available.

Barth says, “Maybe the provider would need to visualize the bug bite or something that looks like a rash, so we do have that video option also available to be able to assess that situation and be able to give a diagnosis in that case as well.”

If treatment requires medication, a prescription can be sent to the pharmacy of the individual’s choice.

What happens if the online consult or video visit reveals someone needs to be seen in-person?

“We all know there are things that sometimes can’t be virtually treated,” says Barth. “Sometimes a lab test may be needed, or a hands-on assessment might be needed to confirm a diagnosis. In that case, we simply refund that virtual visit knowing that it is best-case scenario for you to be seen in an actual urgent care setting.”

For example, sprains and strains can usually be assessed virtually, but broken bones can only be confirmed through an X-ray, which is available at an OSF OnCall Urgent Care walk-in location.

You can find more information or start a virtual visit anytime at osfoncall.org.

Kate Barth

B-roll-OSF OnCall Virtual Urgent Care 

You’ve likely heard of bronchitis, an illness that impacts the larger lung airways and leaves you feeling short of breath and just generally yucky.

This fall and winter, here’s another respiratory illness with “bronch” in the name to be aware of, especially if you have young kids: bronchiolitis. It’s an ailment that Awad Alyami, MD, an OSF HealthCare pediatrician, sees often this time of year.

The basics

Dr. Alyami says bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles, or the small airways that branch out in the lungs.

“When they become infected, there is a lot of mucus. It makes it harder to breathe,” Dr. Alyami explains.

Other symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough and dehydration. Bronchiolitis is “easily spread,” Dr. Alyami says, through respiratory droplets, like when you cough. The illness is most common in children, especially kids under two. Other high-risk groups include babies born prematurely, with chronic lung disease, with heart disease present at birth and with immune system deficiencies.

“There are also environmental risk factors, like babies who are exposed to smoke and babies who attend day care,” Dr. Alyami adds. Attending day care, he explains, will expose a child to illnesses, no matter how clean the place is.

Cause, diagnosis and treatment

Dr. Alyami says other viruses like influenza and COVID-19 can cause bronchiolitis, but respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause.

“You need to see a doctor if your baby has trouble breathing at any time,” Dr. Alyami advises. “Or if your baby is younger than three months and they have a fever. Or if they are older than three months and they have a fever for more than three days. Or if the child has signs of dehydration, like if they are making fewer wet diapers than normal.”

Unlike the flu and COVID-19, there is no test for bronchiolitis. But, a health care provider may swab your nose anyway to see if you have another virus. Other tests like a chest x-ray may be done. And the provider will also examine you and ask about your health history to come up with a diagnosis.

Treatment involves making you feel comfortable until symptoms resolve.

“One of the most important things is nose suction as needed,” Dr. Alyami says. “When we suction the nose and keep it clean, it’s easier to breathe.”

A bulb suction is the most common device to do this. When you’re really stuffed up, you can use nasal spray or drops to make the secretion thinner. Then, use the suction. You can also use a humidifier if your home’s air is dry. Dr. Alyami says these devices and medicines are widely available in retail stores.

You can treat the fever with over-the-counter medication. Drink fluids to stay hydrated.

“Typically, day three to day five are the peak of symptoms,” Dr. Alyami says. “After five days, they start to improve. Symptoms can last seven to 14 days. And typically, the cough lingers for a little longer.”

In serious cases, your child may have low oxygen and need to be admitted to the hospital. There, doctors will use an oxygen tube inserted into the nostrils to help breathing. In rare cases, a doctor will put a breathing tube down the child’s throat.

Prevention

Want your child to avoid all this? Preach healthy habits, especially in fall and winter when respiratory illnesses peak. Wash your hands thoroughly. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. If you’re sick, stay away from others.

Dr. Alyami adds that since RSV is the main cause of bronchiolitis, you should look into the RSV vaccine. This cold weather season, the vaccine is available for certain groups, like older adults, infants and pregnant women. Talk to your primary care provider if you have questions.

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Advice for when the holidays spread more than Christmas cheer

Runny noses, sore throats and coughs are back in season.

For parents, it’s a yearly dance with kids at school and family gatherings that help spread germs, colds and viruses. Since it’s impossible for every person to avoid this, how can we minimize the severity of your symptoms? That’s where Kimberly Walker, MD, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, comes in with some helpful advice.

Over-the counter options

Not every symptom calls for a doctor’s visit, and if you address your signs early enough, Dr. Walker says the length of your cold can decrease drastically.

“Within the first 24 hours, you can take Zinc lozenges,” Dr. Walker says. “That helps inhibit the amount of the virus that’s getting into your cells and body. But it’s only working within that first 24 hours.”

For children and adults alike, Dr. Walker offers another easy to find alternative that can provide relief.

“We’ve used this for many years, the Vick’s VapoRub. Luckily, it doesn’t sting or burn as much anymore. They have the creams and rubs which are a great source to use for your children to breathe easier and to sleep easier.”

Another option that has some health benefits? Celery.

“It has properties where it will numb the back of the throat and helps with sore throats. So, you can give them celery and peanut butter, ants on a log, right? It’s a good treat and helps with their sore throat,” Dr. Walker adds.

How to treat children with a cold

First and foremost, hand hygiene is key. Turn it into a fun game with your children at home. Remind them to cough into their sleeve and not out into thin air, spreading viral particles around.

“In children we want to make sure they’re well hydrated. Make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water and not sugar beverages. For any body aches or fevers they may have, given them Tylenol,” Dr. Walker says. “You can also do children’s Motrin, and cycle that with the Tylenol. Usually those are weight-based dosing, so make sure you know how much your child weighs and pay attention to the directions on the medication boxes.”

For babies, medicine isn’t always an option. Dr. Walker offers some advice for caregivers to provide comfort to infants with a cold.

“The biggest thing is going to be nasal irrigation with saline and making sure their airways are clear of mucus,” Dr. Walker says. “Really suctioning and getting those airways clear is very important for them.”

How can decongestants help?

“This is going to be a self-limited illness. Decongestants are going to help you breathe better,” Dr. Walker says. “You can also use an antihistamine with the decongestant, something like Claritin-D. It is something that will help you breathe better and rest better.”

But when you’re walking the pharmacy aisle seeing a bunch of different options, how can you choose? Dr. Walker has some tips.

“Afrin is a good decongestant to use, but you can only use Afrin for three days. Flonase is an intranasal steroid, but Flonase has been proven in studies not to help in the common cold. It is helpful with allergies, though,” Dr. Walker adds.

Colds and viruses tend to last one to two weeks. If your symptoms are more serious or linger on much longer than that, reach out to your primary care team and schedule an appointment. You can also consider an in-person or virtual visit to OSF OnCall Urgent Care. A virtual visit is available 24/7.

Video Interview Clips

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 infections

Dr. Alyami says many viruses can cause sore throats – the common cold, influenza, coronavirus and others. Dr. Alyami says if your sore throat comes with coughing or a runny nose, that’s a sign it’s a viral infection. You can start treatment at home with over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol and ibuprofen. You can also gargle salt water and, generally, stay hydrated. Water is good for all ages, and Pedialyte can help hydrate kids.

If your symptoms include fever and neck swelling, it’s a more serious situation. You should see a health care provider.

Bacterial infections

The main bacterial infection that causes sore throats is group A streptococcus (commonly known as strep or strep throat). Strep throat may bring the hallmark sore throat symptoms, but you should also watch for fever and white patches toward the back of your mouth.

“This is a bacterial infection that’s common in kids,” Dr. Alyami says of strep throat.  “About 30% of sore throats are strep, and about 70% are viral. It’s a big deal. We need to treat to prevent complications.”

The most common complication is dehydration, Dr. Alyami says.

“The sore throat is so bad, the child doesn’t want to eat or drink,” he explains.

Other times, untreated strep throat can lead to abscesses, or pus pockets.

“If that abscess gets big enough, it can go toward other structures in the body that are very important. That infection can spread and progress very quickly,” Dr. Alyami says. Life-threatening conditions like difficulty breathing can result.

Dr. Alyami says providers can diagnose strep throat with a throat swab. They treat strep throat with 10 days of antibiotic medication, either injected or taken orally. He says most kids will take the medicine orally unless that’s troublesome. For example, some kids have a tough time swallowing pills due to throat pain.

Prevention

It’s advice you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. Dr. Alyami says good hand hygiene goes a long way to preventing sore throats. Wash your hands thoroughly, and keep them away from your face.

Early detection is also key.

“If the child is sick, especially with symptoms that could be strep, it’s better to get them to a health care professional early,” Dr. Alyami implores. “They can get checked and isolated for 12 to 24 hours before they start antibiotics.

“If you’re sure about what they have, it’s better to just bring them in and get them checked,” he adds. Or, a virtual visit is an option.

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Sore throats: they’re pesky. They’re not just a winter thing (hello, spring allergies). And they can turn serious, such as strep throat.

Do a web search for at-home remedies, and you’ll get a lot of results. Which ones work? Which ones might feel good in the moment but don’t get the job done? Isha McConkey, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has your checklist:

• Ice cream: Dr. McConkey doesn’t recommend it.
  
  “I know it feels good. But it will increase mucus production in most people. That’s going to exacerbate the [throat] irritation,” she explains. “We also don’t want a lot of sugar,” which could lead to cavities.
  
  In fact, Dr. McConkey says this logic applies to dairy foods overall. Skip them come sore throat time.
   
• Popsicles: These are OK, Dr. McConkey says. Just go for a sugar free or fruit juice-infused option.
   
• Cough drops: Choose cough drops with xylitol, a sugar alternative, Dr. McConkey says.
   
• Honey: “It’s excellent,” Dr. McConkey says. You’re still getting sugar, though, so don’t guzzle it. Try making a drink with hot water, honey and lemon. Or incorporate honey into your tea.
  
  “You can even add a little cayenne pepper. In some types of sore throats, it may make it worse. But most people find it can be very soothing. It has some numbing properties,” Dr. McConkey adds. But don’t take that as a license to eat spicy food. The acidity in tacos, for example, might cause throat irritation.
   
• Soups: Pop that chicken noodle soup in the microwave, Dr. McConkey says. She says research has found that some soups have antibacterial properties that can help with any illness. Opt for a low sodium can.
   
• Salt water: You’ve probably seen online videos or heard the tactic passed down by family members. Yes, it can help, Dr. McConkey says. Gargling salt water can decrease swelling, she says. Try it before you drink your tea or before you go to bed to help get a restful night.

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Migraines are a part of life for many. From stress to dehydration to a woman’s menstrual cycle and even more serious issues such as a stroke, the headaches can pop up often. And they’re something you should know how to manage.

Amber Oberheim, APRN, a primary care provider at OSF HealthCare, says migraines can often be treated with ibuprofen (Advil is a common brand name) or naproxen (Aleve), plus lifestyle changes including better sleep. But, an online search will also yield plenty of non-medicinal, at-home remedies. Experts will remind you that these aren’t cure-alls. But it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t.

Myth vs. fact

• A cold or warm cloth on the head and neck: Stick to cold, Oberheim says.
  
  “One of the theories for why migraines happen is vasodilation, or increased blood flow to your brain,” Oberheim explains. “So we talk about using a cold compress over your eyes, on the back of your neck or at the top of your head. That cold sensation constricts blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood flow.”
  
  Oberheim adds that there are even migraine caps that stay in the freezer until use. Those are available over the counter at retail outlets.
   
• Rest and deep breathing: Oberheim says there’s no guarantee that your migraine will be gone when you wake up from a nap. But, she says rest and deep breathing can’t hurt. Take a break in a cool, dark room, and avoid screens and loud noises.
   
• Caffeine: It’s good general advice to ingest caffeine in moderation for heart and mental health. But, Oberheim says a soda might help with that headache.
  
  “We look at medications in Excedrin Migraine [pills]. Caffeine is one of them,” Oberheim says. “Caffeine has been proven to be effective sometimes in early management of migraine headaches.”
   
• Supplements: There’s a lot to choose from in this aisle of the pharmacy. And experts warn that you should choose with provider guidance since supplements aren’t regulated like others under the eye of the United States Food and Drug Administration. However, Oberheim says some research has shown that taking vitamin B2 (also called riboflavin) and magnesium daily can help with the number of migraines.
   
• Massaging your head: It’s a tactic some of us learned when we were kids. Massaging your temples (the area between your eyes and the top of your ears) could help with head pain.
  
  “I don’t think there’s any data that would support that. I think it’s more of a comfort,” Oberheim says. “When you’re experiencing pain and you can have a sensation that’s not pain somewhere on your body, it might help lessen the pain.”
  
  For example, Oberheim says when her patients are getting a blood draw through an IV in their elbow, a provider might scratch their upper arm (between the point of pain and the brain) to “confuse” the pain signal and lessen the discomfort. The same logic applies to rubbing your head during a migraine.
   
• Taking a shower: It depends, Oberheim says.
  
  “I could see if stress or muscle tension is creating a headache. Taking a warm shower or bath to relax might help,” Oberheim says. “However, if we’re thinking about a classic migraine with the theory of increased blood flow to the brain, taking a hot bath or shower might actually make it worse.
  
  “It never hurts to try, but I think it’s going to be patient-specific,” she adds.

When in doubt

Oberheim says some people have a history of migraines and know how to manage them. But if the headaches suddenly increase in frequency or intensity, you should see a health care provider. Also, talk to a provider if you have questions about starting or changing at-home treatment. The provider can determine what works for you. You don’t want new medications to negatively interact with drugs you’re already on, for example.

“Often, a migraine can last for longer than a typical headache. It can be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity and noise sensitivity,” Oberheim says, warning of the dangers if migraines are not treated quickly. “There are certain types of migraines that can also affect your vision.”

Temporary decreased function of your limbs is another rare, but possible side effect, Oberheim says.

Learn more

Read more about how to spot and treat a migraine on the OSF HealthCare website.

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This is part two of a two part story on hygiene myths. Click here for part one.

From health care providers to websites to advice passed down through generations, there are a lot of ways to get health care information, especially tips for minor ailments you can treat at home.

Awad Alyami, MD, a pediatrician at OSF HealthCare, breaks down some common myths.

• Myth: When I shower, bathe or wash my hands, really hot water is best to kill germs.

Fact: Really hot showers can feel good, but they may burn your skin. Dr. Alyami recommends setting your home’s water heater at 120 degrees or less. Then, when you use the shower or sink, warm, but not hot water is best.

Dr. Alyami adds that a cold shower after a sweaty summer activity is OK because it can reduce the chance of heat rash. But frequent cold showers can irritate your skin.

• Myth: Q-tips are meant for cleaning your ear.

Fact: “The ear is a self-cleaning oven. Most everything inside the ear will come out on its own,” Dr. Alyami says. “When we put anything inside the ear, we are pushing everything from the outside to the inside, especially earwax. It makes it harder for the ear to clean itself.”

Using Q-tips and similar devices can lead to injuries to the ear canal or eardrum, Dr. Alyami adds. Instead, during your shower or bath, gently clean and dry the outside of your ears. If your ears look or feel off (pain or itchiness, for example), see a provider.

“We can clean you safely in the office,” Dr. Alyami says.

• Myth: For cuts and scrapes, apply antibiotic ointment like Neosporin until it heals.

Fact: You can apply the ointment once after cleaning the wound and then again after the wound is healed. But doing so often can lead to contact dermatitis, a bad skin reaction.

• Myth: The “five second rule” is OK for eating food that’s fallen on the floor.

Fact: Dr. Alyami puts this one to rest once and for all: Don’t do it. Always eat off a sanitary surface.

He even says that research has shown that bacteria from the floor can attach to food in as little as less than one second. Eating dirty food can lead to vomiting and stomach illnesses.

Interview clips