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

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.

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• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and keeping up with doctor appointments. Brim says this reduces your risk of a stroke, which can lead to a voice disorder. It can also prevent everyday illness and coughing.
  
  “If someone has had the flu or COVID and they’ve had a consistent cough, it can cause trauma to the vocal cords,” Brim explains. “The vocal cords are closing so rapidly with each cough.”
  
  Using a humidifier and taking lozenges without menthol can help with that pesky cough, Brim adds.
   
• Aim for 40 to 60 ounces of water per day.
  
  “That’s very helpful in maintaining a healthy environment for your vocal cords. It makes sure they’re not getting too strained,” Brim says.
   
• Watch your caffeine. High amounts can strain your vocal cords, Brim says.
  
  “Do you really need that second latte at noon?” she asks with a smirk.
   
• Don’t yell all the time. Obvious, right? But it’s tricky if you use your voice for a living.

“Maybe you have a job like an auctioneer or a teacher trying to yell over a group of students. You have to make your voice louder [for your job],” Brim says.

“Try to focus on more projection. And take vocal rests,” she adds. “Take 10 minutes to let your vocal cords reset. Drink water. Try to decrease the trauma to the vocal cords as much as possible.”

Learn more

Read about all the ways medical professionals help restore voices on the OSF HealthCare website.

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While living in Greene County, Illinois, in the 1980s and 1990s, Lea Anne Varble took a gut punch each time she heard about a suicide in her community. Eight to 10 in total in 15 years, she says.

“It just took me aback,” she says.

What the tragedies had in common: the person faced mental health challenges common to a rural setting.

Varble, a clinical psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare, knew she had to do something about it. So not only did she devote higher education time to studying the problem, but she’s also now getting the word out about the resources available.

The issues

Varble says stress and isolation are often experienced by people living in a rural setting, such as a farmer. There’s also a desire to be self-sufficient – a trope associated with farmers and other rural residents for decades.

“People living rurally often are independent. So, when stress comes, they want to handle it on their own,” Varble says.

Varble also knows the issues – stress, anxiety and even depression – of planting and harvest season.

“Hours and hours,” in the field, she says. “You’re expected to keep working even if you don’t feel well. Even if the stress is getting to you. You have to get up and do it again. Or at least that’s what your father before you did and his father before him.”

The work ethic can be admirable, but it can lead to medical issues if left unchecked.

And, the heads of some rural households are caring for two generations: their kids and their parents. School, chronic illnesses and advanced care planning are just more things to add to the to-do list. Varble adds that older adults in a rural setting are more likely to see themselves as a burden and choose to end their life.

Treatment

Varble says getting better starts simply with noticing the problem and talking about it with a trusted adult, like a friend, family member, faith leader or a medical professional.

The good news is that mental health professionals have made strides in this area, such as telemedicine and mobile health services. And society is more willing to talk about mental health. Farming magazines have articles on mental health, for example.

Other ways to help that Varble has picked up over the years:

• Get to know your neighbors and local organizations, like churches and businesses. Then, lean on them for help when the stress gets to be too much.
   
• Look into resources offered by state or federal agencies. In Illinois, where Varble works, the Family Farm Resource Initiative operates a 24/7 hotline and email.
  
  “Individuals can receive support from trained professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by those in the agricultural sector,” the initiative website states. “The helpline offers specialized assistance, including mental health resources and agriculture-related support, ensuring that farm families have access to the help they need.”
   
• Health care professionals should encourage people with rural backgrounds to become therapists.

               “It’s someone from their community who understands what’s going on,” Varble says.

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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.

When watching a basketball game on television, you may hear coaches and announcers say the star player is missing time with a hernia.

A sports hernia is different than a hernia suffered in everyday life, says Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal surgeon and general surgeon at OSF HealthCare. But each should be taken seriously.

Hernia

Dr. Kumar says a hernia is when an internal organ or piece of fat goes through a hole in the abdominal wall. The most common type – around 80%  – is an inguinal hernia, when a part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower belly (also called the groin). Anyone can get a hernia, even newborns. But Dr. Kumar says they are seen more in older men. Symptoms include a bulge or swelling in the abdominal area and pain when moving.

“A lot of chronic heavy lifting,” can cause hernias, Dr. Kumar says. “Other things weaken the abdominal wall such as diabetes and smoking. Being obese causes a lot of weight hanging down on the abdominal wall. If you’ve had surgery in the past, that’s also a risk factor.”

So be mindful when lifting objects, Dr. Kumar advises. Lift with your knees, not your back, and don’t try to lift heavy items. Get a cart or a partner to help. Eat healthy and exercise to avoid obesity and diabetes. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Dr. Kumar says an exterior wrap known as a hernia belt or abdominal binder can be a short-term solution. But surgery is often the endgame.

“If you have a hole or defect, it needs to be closed,” Dr. Kumar says. “The reason we fix hernias is because we don’t want a loop of intestine or bowel to get into the hernia, twist off and die.”

That would make a person very sick and possibly threaten their life, Dr. Kumar says.

Sports hernia

Dr. Kumar says a sports hernia is a muscle tear in the groin area. They’re seen in athletes due to all the twisting, turning and bending that comes with competition.

“Stretch before you do any type of activity. Work and develop your core muscles, including your abdominal and hip muscles.” Dr. Kumar says. “If the muscles are strong, they are less likely to tear.”

Athletes who complain of groin pain should immediately leave the competition and get checked out by a trainer or doctor. Resting and icing the groin will help, but a combination of medication, physical therapy or surgery will likely be needed to fully heal.

Be proactive

If you have symptoms of a hernia or sports hernia, see a health care provider right away.

“Nine times out of 10, we can determine you have a hernia just based on a physical exam,” Dr. Kumar says.

But for more complicated cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound or CT scan. Then, the provider will develop a treatment plan.

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Hernias: More common than you think

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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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.

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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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We’re approaching the late summer-early fall period when respiratory illnesses begin their annual upswing. The latest news from federal health officials concerns a new variant of COVID-19, NB.1.8.1. Some people impacted have reported severe sore throats, almost like there’s a razor blade in there.

Fred Burke, MD, an emergency medicine physician who sees patients at OSF HealthCare, says illnesses like COVID, RSV and the flu will always be around. It’s just a matter of taking precautions to avoid serious illness. So, what’s the level of concern with this new COVID variant as we begin to make fall plans?

The razor’s edge

Any sore throat is an annoyance. But Dr. Burke says you should monitor severe cases closely.

“You’re less likely to want to eat or drink, which can lead to further dehydration,” he says.

You can manage sore throats at home with Tylenol or ibuprofen, chloraseptic spray, warm tea and throat lozenges. Dr. Burke says if you have trouble keeping food or fluids down, feel lightheaded or dizzy or have trouble breathing, see a health care provider right away.

COVID precautions

Dr. Burke says this new COVID variant isn’t linked to as much severe illness as other variants. But, he says it’s more easily spread.

“The average healthy person might get through it with some [figurative] bumps and bruises and little to no symptoms. For people with comorbidities or who are immunocompromised, the virus might be a little bit more detrimental,” Dr. Burke says.

Getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene are two big tools to avoid serious illness, he adds. Wash your hands and high touch surfaces, like doorknobs, often, don’t cough or sneeze into the open air and stay home and away from others when you don’t feel well. If you’re in a crowd, especially if you have a comorbidity like diabetes, Dr. Burke says you should consider wearing a mask.

“If you’re going to have a gathering, whether at home or somewhere else, you can also recommend people take a home test to make sure they don’t have COVID prior to going,” Dr. Burke suggests. Those at-home tests can usually be found over the counter at a pharmacy.

For vaccines, recent preliminary guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends the shot this fall for people 65 and up. For others, the shot is recommended for people who have a compromised immune system or a comorbid condition like obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease or depression. The website for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, meanwhile, has a broader recommendation. When in doubt, Dr. Burke says to talk to your primary care provider.

Learn more

Explore other resources to keep yourself safe from COVID on the OSF HealthCare website, blog and newsroom.

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What is Norovirus? 

"Norovirus is a viral infection, most people refer to it as the stomach flu. But it's a distinctly different virus than influenza," says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. "It's acquired by contact, meaning you touch it. Then it gets from outside your body, usually in through your mouth, and then into your GI (gastrointestinal) system."

Norovirus symptoms and concerns

"Symptoms usually come on very quickly. Roughly a day or two after exposure, the person will notice gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, bloating pain, gas and diarrhea," Dr. Kasper says. "Most people that don't have an immuno-compromised history, the symptoms will pass in 2-3 days. It can be a much bigger problem in people who are chronically ill. It leads to dehydration and low food intake. So, if someone is more vulnerable or they have underlying GI issues like Chron's disease, ulcerative colitis, it can cause more profuse symptoms."

Concern for reinfection 

"One of the main issues with Norovirus, is that everybody is susceptible to it. There is no vaccine and there is no significant immunity that is generated by infection," Dr. Kasper says. "Which also means you can be reinfected shortly after you've had infection."

Neutralize Norovirus at the source

"Because people get so sick and they're using the same bathroom, where they're all in the same area, you really have to neutralize Norovirus at the source. Because otherwise people will just reinfect each other over and over again," Dr. Kasper says. 

Dr. Kasper emphasizes that alcohol hand gels do not kill Norovirus. Washing your hands with soap and water and practicing good hand hygiene is extremely important.

For cleaning the contaminated areas and surfaces, use bleach-based products. You must clean bathrooms, common living areas and food preparation counters, Dr. Kasper adds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend leaving the bleach disinfectant on the affected area for five minutes. Then clean the whole area again with soap and hot water, followed by washing any dirty laundry, taking out the trash, and once again washing your hands.

The CDC reports that 685 million total cases of acute gastroenteritis (which leads to vomiting and diarrhea) comes from Norovirus. 200 million of those cases come from kids under 5 years of age, normally peaking in January.

Clean all products the person would've touched while they have Norovirus. Norovirus is "durable," Dr. Kasper says. It can last on surfaces for up to a few days.

Where Norovirus is most common

"We see this a lot in school-aged children, daycares, nursing homes and assisted living facilities where many people are congregating," Dr. Kasper says. "The main issue with Norovirus becomes environmental cleaning and hand hygiene."

Dr. Kasper adds that spikes are typically seen when kids go back to school in the fall or early winter.

“Kids share meals at lunch, or they touch each other through play when they're sick," Dr. Kasper says. "With older adults, especially if they're living in their home, it's less likely because they're just not around that many people or touching things throughout the day."

How food preparation can increase Norovirus spread

"It's not the actual food; it's the person preparing the food. What we worry about with Norovirus is the hand hygiene of the worker. Whether it's at a cafeteria or a restaurant, or even at the home," Dr. Kasper says. "To get infected with Norovirus, the person has to ingest it. It's not a skin infection, so most of the time we put our hands to our mouth, it's when we're eating. So, if somebody is preparing food, and the food becomes contaminated, you acquire it by touching or ingesting the contaminated food. But it's not coming from the food primarily, it's coming from the person who prepares the food."

Norovirus is highly transmissible 

"You need a very small amount of virus, very few copies, for somebody to become infected," Dr. Kasper says. "With any virus, there's a certain amount the person has to acquire to trigger an infection. So, it's not one copy, but Norovirus is on the end of the spectrum where you need many fewer copies to generate infection."

Why Norovirus is dangerous for immunocompromised people

"The immune system is what clears Norovirus. So, somebody who has an intact immune system, although they'll get sick and it'll be very unpleasant, generally they will get better within a period of days," Dr. Kasper says. "Somebody who is immunocompromised, whether it's through having a transplant or medication steroids, they can really struggle to clear Norovirus for a longer period of time. What really builds up is the fluid loss leads to dehydration and possible electrolyte loss that leads to other complications. Then anorexia can occur when you're not hungry to eat. That can compound for somebody that is in a frailer state to begin with."

Most senior living communities have specific cleaning guidelines they’re expected to follow by government agencies. Schools follow different guidelines, Dr. Kasper says, but a lot of the guidance is based on using industrial-based cleaners to try and stop the spread of illnesses.

Norovirus is reported in outbreaks, not a specific number of cases, because the virus spreads so fast and can affect a large amount of people in a smaller space. “When contact happens, infection is likely to occur,” Dr. Kasper adds.

Norovirus is common and not unexpected, Dr. Kasper says. There are no new strains that come out like we see in the flu or COVID-19. The need for communication on the virus is simply to bring awareness to cleaning habits and to give advice on how to keep others safe. 

Video Interview Clips

Influenza, or the flu, is dominating the other viruses like COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), norovirus, Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and others, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. He adds that the increase in flu cases is “typical and expected” for this time of year. The strain of flu that is circulating is an Influenza A strain, which is also predicted.

Flu at highest rate and climbing

"Seasonal influenza rates are increasing each week, per the CDC. That refers to the number of positive tests that are being seen at access sites, like (OSF) PromptCare, urgent care, emergency departments and primary care offices," Dr. Kasper says. "The percentage of tests returning positive for influenza is climbing and it's at its highest level for our season."

This comes just days after the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) reported two flu deaths in children, both under the age of two.

“Even one pediatric flu death is a tremendous loss. We express sincere condolences to the families of these children,” said Dr. Olusimbo Ige, CDPH Commissioner. “Respiratory virus season is in full swing, and vaccination remains the best way to protect against severe illness, including in children.”

Why the flu vaccine is beneficial

"While the influenza vaccine is not perfect, as far as protecting against infection, cumulative influenza vaccine is associated with less severe illness,” Dr. Kasper says. This means your body builds up a library of vaccine, and over time, if you're exposed to a strain, even if it's changed, potentially had you been vaccinated or exposed to that strain in the past is beneficial for the future."

Seasonal flu shots are available and recommended for anyone 6 months and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Free vaccines can be accessed at local pharmacies, or with you or your child’s primary care provider.

Is the flu up because COVID-19 is down?

"The precautions we followed for COVID-19, like masking, isolation and staying home when sick, have largely been changed in this era," Dr. Kasper says. "So, we have people that are more accustomed to coming into work when they've felt sick yesterday, whereas in the past they wouldn't do that."

In the CDC’s FluView database, the organization reports that over 37,000 people across the United States were admitted to hospitals with flu in the first week of January. Five pediatric influenza deaths were reported, now totaling 16 children who have died from the virus this flu season.

Flu vaccines are still important late in flu season

"For people that have been vaccinated, that's wonderful. For people that have not been vaccinated, there is still time and benefit to receive vaccines while we're in the middle of flu season," Dr. Kasper says. "There are therapeutics like antiviral medications that can be prescribed for people that are at risk with influenza."

Dr. Kasper says if anyone has flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, chills, body aches, headache) for more than 2 days, they should contact their medical provider immediately. They can discuss whether they should be tested for the flu and how to proceed with treating symptoms.

Video Interview Clips

Author's note: This is part four of a four part story on infant nutrition misconceptions. Read part one here, part two here and part three here.



Bringing a new baby home raises the focus on their and mom’s well-being. Toward the top of the list: what and how the child is being fed.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, misconceptions about infant nutrition are everywhere. Xandra Anderson, a certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, cuts through the noise.

• Breastfeeding takes up more of my time than formula feeding.

Choosing formula over breastfeeding is accepted, Anderson says. But she hears some moms do it for the wrong reason: they think it’s quicker, and they can even hand off baby to be fed while they catch up on shut eye.

Anderson counters: Studies have shown that breastfeeding moms get more sleep than formula feeding moms.

“You’re getting up, making the bottle and cleaning the bottle. Instead of being out of bed for 15 to 20 minutes [to breastfeed], you’re out of bed for 45 to 50 minutes. You try to go back to sleep, and baby is up again,” Anderson says.

• Breast milk doesn’t keep a baby full.
  
  It’s “complete nutrition,” Anderson says. Breast milk may be easily digestible, but that’s a benefit, not a problem.
   
• Switching formulas is OK.
  
  Anderson recalls the 2022 formula shortage in the United States, leaving some parents scrambling to find more of the formula that works.
  
  “Switching formulas can actually upset the baby’s digestive system,” Anderson warns. “All formulas, while safe, are different. Some are lower lactose. Some are dairy free. If we’re switching because we’re trying to find formula, that can mess up their gut flora, potentially for life.”
  
  If you run out of formula, talk to a health care provider about what to do.
   
• Formula is safer than breastfeeding.
  
  Some formula is ready to drink out of the package. Others need some work. You should follow the formula’s sterilization instructions to ensure you’re killing any bacteria. The United States Centers for Disease Control And Prevention says cronobacter infection is one possibility. These are “rare but serious,” the CDC says, and could result in death. If your baby becomes sick, take them to a provider right away. Lethargy, fever, excessive crying and poor feeding are common symptoms to watch for.

“If you’re breastfeeding, there’s not a lot of chances for that cross-contamination,” Anderson says. “If you’re outside in the garden and messy and sweaty, you can still breastfeed.”

Learn more

Read more about how to have a successful pregnancy and following years on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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

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

The basics: Why do you cough?

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

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

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

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

Coughing up things you shouldn’t

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

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

Diagnosis and treatment

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

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

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

What you can do

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

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

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Author's note: This is part three of a four part story on infant nutrition misconceptions. Read part one here, part two here and part four here.

Bringing a new baby home raises the focus on their and mom’s well-being. Toward the top of the list: what and how the child is being fed.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, misconceptions about infant nutrition are everywhere. Xandra Anderson, a certified lactation consultant at OSF HealthCare, cuts through the noise.

• I shouldn’t breastfeed when I’m sick.
  
  If you’re very sick, focus on rest and recovery. And if you have certain conditions like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or herpes with open lesions, don’t breastfeed. But otherwise, experts say it’s OK. You’ll pass antibodies to your baby.
  
  To put it another way: “Breast milk is like the first vaccine,” Anderson says.
  
  “There’s also this cool backwash effect. When your baby is at the breast, their saliva communicates with your body,” she adds. “If your baby starts to show signs of what you are sick with, your body ramps up and says ‘my baby needs extra of this’. The communication is amazing.”
   
• Breastfeeding can prevent future pregnancies.
  
  Long-term, it doesn’t impact your fertility, Anderson says.
  
  But short-term, she says prolactin, the hormone needed to make milk, suppresses ovulation.
  
  “[Prolactin] peaks at night. So if you miss night feedings, you’re potentially allowing ovulation to start again,” Anderson explains.
  
  “Is breastfeeding 100% prevention of future pregnancies? No. But exclusive breastfeeding can really delay your period and ovulation for as long as you exclusively breastfeed,” Anderson adds. “As baby gets older and you breastfeed less, you may notice your cycle comes back. Once you stop breastfeeding [entirely], your body really does go back to normal.”
   
• Societal norms say I shouldn’t breastfeed past a certain age.
  
  It’s a topic that sometimes makes its way to daytime talk shows, drawing side eyes from other moms. Should you stop breastfeeding after a year or two? Or is it OK to breastfeed until the child is three, four or five?
  
  Anderson admits it’s a hot debate, even a stigma. She says in the United States, breastfeeding up to six to 12 months is most common. But the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend breastfeeding up to age two and longer. Either way, Anderson says breastfeeding for a long time doesn’t present health concerns for mom or the child.
  
  “There’s really no cutoff. It really depends on what works for you and your family. I have a lot of moms that hit 18 months and are ready to be done. And that’s OK. Your baby has made it past those 12 months where it’s necessary to have breast milk,” if you’re choosing to breastfeed, Anderson says.

“Mom is the boss always,” she adds.

Learn more

Read more about how to have a successful pregnancy and following years on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

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The first few weeks
Chow down, new moms!
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Mental health medication and pregnancy

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

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

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

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

Right now, it's pneumonia.

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

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

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

Health Highlights Video Version With Chyrons

Health Highlights Video Version Without Chyrons

The newest tool for protecting our littlest population is now available in the United States. 

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was initially approved in summer 2023 for adults 60 and older, quickly followed by a recommendation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pregnant women. The goal of vaccinating pregnant women would be to pass on RSV antibodies from mom to baby.

"(Pregnant women should get the vaccine) somewhere between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. As long as they receive the vaccine and give birth two weeks after or more after getting the vaccine, the baby should be having good protection for their first year of life,” says Kinnera Are, DO, a pediatrician with OSF HealthCare.

When is RSV season?

Dr. Are says RSV season normally starts in October, goes through the winter, and wraps up in March or April.

"We are expecting to see it this year, but hopefully not as bad as it has been the last couple of years,” Dr. Are adds.

What babies are eligible?

Infants eight months and younger are eligible for the RSV vaccine, along with older infants who have serious medical conditions like chronic lung disease and heart conditions.

"Some infants at higher risk are eligible to get the vaccine for their second RSV season. So, the second year October through March. Some things that would put them at higher risk if infants have chronic lung disease and prematurity and needed oxygen or medications within the last six months. Otherwise, we can offer it during that second season to infants from American Indian heritage or Alaskan Native heritage,” Dr. Area says. “Severely immunocompromised infants are eligible for that second season, and infants with cystic fibrosis who have issues with their lungs. Or if they're very small and are having issues with growth, they may also be eligible." 

How to protect infants and others from RSV

Ways to protect infants from RSV are on par with other respiratory illnesses.

-          Stay away from sick individuals

-          Keep kids home if sick (fever, runny nose)

-          Prioritize good sleep

-          Focus on good eating habits, hydration

-          Wash your hands

"RSV will show symptoms like most other respiratory illnesses. So, you may start off with congestion and runny nose, maybe a fever or a cough," Dr. Are says. “RSV, especially in the infant age group, tends to affect the lungs a little bit more than older kids. So, you may see more of that cough or congestion that's not coming out.”

Days 3-5 are usually the worst

"Any respiratory illness, but especially RSV, is worse between days three and five. Based on where the infant is when they come in, we'll guide them to see if they're getting better or do we expect it to get worse before it gets better,” Dr. Are says.

When it’s time to go to the emergency department

“Two things that would make me tell someone they need to go to the emergency room; One, if the infant is having respiratory distress like breathing really fast, having trouble breathing or having a lot of wheezing that is not getting better and it's very persistent," Dr. Are says. “You can give us a call (at the pediatrics office) but we'll probably recommend you go to the emergency room. The other thing is dehydration. Severe hydration can be shown in no wet diapers for eight hours and no urine output for eight hours. That's a sign they probably need some IV fluids and need to go to the emergency room for care.”

If a pregnant mother didn’t get the RSV vaccine, your child’s pediatrician will ask if they want the baby to get the vaccine in the first few visits.

Normally, symptoms can be managed at home. Antibiotics aren’t prescribed, since RSV is a virus, but sometimes the virus can cause a secondary bacterial infection like pneumonia, which could call for antibiotics. You can use a nasal suction tool to keep the baby’s nose and airways clean, which is especially important when they’re eating or sleeping.

Video Interview Clips

He was at a Champaign, Illinois, hospital where his five-year-old daughter Gabby was fighting for her life with what was later confirmed to be Rocky Mountain spotted fever as the result of a tick bite.

Gabby died of sepsis, a condition where your body responds improperly to an infection, three days later. The heartbreak led Tony and his family to become intimately familiar with sepsis. They’re now advocates for sepsis awareness, both ensuring health care providers are following best practices and patients are speaking up.

“I remember slamming every object around me,” in the days following Gabby’s death, Tony Galbo recalls. “I said ‘there’s gotta be a law to protect patients, especially children.’,”

Sepsis and septic shock

Many of the things the Galbo family advocates for to this day are already in place at OSF HealthCare.

Kurt Bloomstrand, MD, is chair of emergency services at OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, Illinois. He says aside from following established, rigid protocol, OSF Heart of Mary is going the extra mile for sepsis prevention in a couple of ways. One, the hospital is leading the OSF Ministry in continuing sepsis screening and alerts for people after they are admitted (not just in the emergency department). And two, the facility is among the top 10% of hospitals in the country in following sepsis protocol as measured by the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Those CMS core measures include giving antibiotics and fluids and rechecking a person’s vital signs in a timely manner.

“We’re trying to identify a set of signs called the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or SIRS,” Dr. Bloomstrand says. “Those include a fever, a fast heart rate, fast breathing and elevated or low white blood cell count. If someone has any two of those with a source of infection, we consider them possibly septic. We want to establish treatment for them very quickly.”

Treatment includes antibiotic medication or intravenous fluids along with continued testing to pinpoint the problem.

“We take this extremely seriously because we know time is tissue. The sooner we get the treatment, the better the outcome.” Dr. Bloomstrand adds. “Any person who comes into one of our emergency departments, no matter the cause, will be screened for sepsis right from the start. When we get your vital signs, that’s screening for sepsis. If you flag positive, there are alerts that go out to our staff. Then it walks us through a very specific sepsis algorithm for treatment.”

What you can do

Dr. Bloomstrand says young kids, older adults and people with serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes are at a higher risk for sepsis. Your best bet to prevent sepsis is to practice healthy habits and prevent infection in the first place.

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching high-germ areas in public like a doorknob.
   
• Avoid touching your face.
   
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow or a tissue.
   
• Stay home when you’re sick.
   
• Treat wounds and bug bites properly, quickly and under guidance from a health care provider. Dr. Bloomstrand notes that pets can also harbor ticks that can cause serious illness.

Dr. Bloomstrand adds that hospital staff are empowered to speak up if they spot a possible sepsis case. But you can also speak up on behalf of yourself or a loved one about what sepsis surveillance is being done.

“It’s appropriate to make sure you are asking these questions just to make sure you’re keeping it at the front of the care provider’s mind,” Dr. Bloomstrand says.

“If we don’t catch sepsis soon enough, it can result in organ dysfunction,” he adds. “There may be long-term complications with their kidneys, such as needing dialysis. If their lungs fail, there may be long-term respiratory issues. There may be brain issues, so they have mental status changes long-term.”

Gabby’s Law

On August 18, 2016, then-Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner came to Presence Covenant Medical Center (now OSF Heart of Mary) to sign Gabby’s Law.

“Senate Bill 2403 requires hospitals to adopt evidence-based protocols for the early recognition and treatment of patients with sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock that are based on generally accepted standards of care,” the Governor’s office said at the time. “It requires the protocols contain certain components, including those specific to identifying and treating adults and children.”

Tony Galbo recalls many meetings with lawmakers, health care groups and other stakeholders to get the plan the support it needed. And that wasn’t the end. He’s testified before lawmakers in other states and in Washington, D.C., and done countless interviews.

“Sepsis does not discriminate. It does not care about age,” Galbo says.

Interview clips - Tony Galbo

Interview clips - Dr. Kurt Bloomstrand

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A return to school comes with a return to activities.

But no matter if it’s fall sports, extracurricular activities, or just hanging out with friends, there comes the increase spread of viruses, according to Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

“Not only are children, but the family unit as a whole is starting to do much more. They’re going to be exposed to each other much more than they have been over the next few months,” Dr. Kasper says.

The three main viruses remain the same as the past few years: Influenza (flu), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But others will arise as well, including adenovirus, rhinovirus/enterovirus (common cold) and more.

When viruses tend to peak

“Influenza in Central Illinois starts to appear around November, and peaks in January,” Dr. Kasper says. “RSV, particularly in young children, starts to show up in September or October. COVID-19 has been a bit more seasonal each year, but we start to predict peaks in October. What you’ll notice is that all of those will start to overlap.”

How vaccinations play a role

As millions of kids are returning to school, Dr. Kasper says it’s time to start scheduling checkups with their pediatrician and discussing back-to-school vaccinations.

“Vaccination now has more of an effect of protecting the individual so they can remain in their activities, school or job as long as possible,” Dr. Kasper says. “We know in most situations there is more than one person in the household and more than one child at home. It's also helping decrease spread within the family unit when these things are brought home."

The flu vaccine, Dr. Kasper says, is recommended for anyone 6 months or older. Whereas the RSV vaccine is only available to certain people.

"RSV is most severe in our younger populations, ages 2 or younger, or in those 60 and older. While vaccination is only offered in select age groups, including pregnant women, there is still benefit to the family unit for the family to make sure those who can be vaccinated against RSV do get those at the appropriate time,” Dr. Kasper says.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have come and gone, but the recommendation for yearly vaccination is starting to resemble the same strategy as the flu vaccine.

"COVID-19 guidance will be a little different,” Dr. Kasper adds. “We're expecting an updated vaccine that will come out in the fall, probably October. We'll have unique recommendations for different age groups or those with medical conditions. But I'd expect the recommendation of one additional COVID-19 vaccine or booster for the fall into winter season.”

Respiratory virus symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a dozen symptoms you may potentially experience if you become sick with one of the abovementioned viruses.

-          Fever

-          Chills

-          Fatigue (tiredness)

-          Cough

-          Runny or stuffy nose

-          Decrease in appetite

-          Sore throat

-          Vomiting

-          New loss of taste or smell

-          Headache, muscle or body aches

-          Diarrhea

-          Weakness

If you have trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The CDC’s current recommendation is to stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after you are fever-free, and your symptoms are improving. Remember to wash your hands and improve airflow by opening windows and bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or spending time outdoors. Make sure to routinely change your central heating, ventilation and air conditioning system filters every few months.

Video Interview Clips

A multi-state outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu), also known as H5N1, has caused the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to closely monitor the situation.

The virus starts with wild birds. Then, it can spread to poultry, cows or cats. How does it reach humans? Through close contact with poultry or cows. It can be passed on through direct physical contact, after someone touches the virus and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth. It can also spread through contaminated surfaces. Lastly, bird flu can spread in the air through droplets or dust. The virus can enter through the eyes, nose or mouth, go through the nasal passage and into the lungs.

“The particular strain is H5N1, which has been talked about as far back as 2009 as being a particular concern of influenza, is circulating in animal populations and has crossed over to a very small number of people. Largely those who work very closely with animals,” says Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare.

Before news alerts surrounding bird flu begin to ruffle your feathers, Dr. Kasper says the crossover to humans has been extremely low.  

“This isn’t something that’s going to catch us by surprise. The cases that have occurred and found their way to humans have been relatively mild and have not progressed into the family units of those people. The cases have not led to any sustained change in how we usually identify or treat influenza,” Dr. Kasper says.

H5N1 infections in dairy herds have been found in 12 states including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it’s working closely with state animal officials when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting on affected farms. Colorado, Texas and Michigan are the only states where humans have become infected.

Dr. Kasper says the current flu vaccine does not protect against the bird flu.

“While this is not a strain that is readily seen in our population yet, it is something that’s on the CDC’s monitoring list. It is something that may require additional adjustment in our flu vaccine strategy,” Dr. Kasper says. “For now, the guidance remains that when the seasonal flu vaccine becomes available, people 6 months of age or older should receive it.”

Farmers or producers who have been impacted by the spread of bird flu can apply for financial assistance through the USDA’s Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).

The CDC reports more than 4,300 people have been monitored due to exposure to infected animals, while only 13 cases have been confirmed in humans since March 24, 2024. The current public health risk remains low.

Video Interview Clips

She was about to become a statistic in a polio epidemic and battle a disease that still impacts her in 2024.

Though polio is nearly eradicated today thanks to childhood vaccinations, both the disease and the shots have garnered headlines lately. This month, Paul Alexander, who spent much of his life in an iron lung, passed away at age 78. And the state of Illinois is combating a measles outbreak, reminding us of the importance of vaccines.

Kemnetz’s story

Kemnetz says the week she got her headache that led to a polio diagnosis was a painful blur.

“All my senses were on high alert,” she says. “The littlest sound was like somebody stomping next to my ear. We had a little night light. I couldn’t even stand to have it on.”

On Sunday, the family doctor made a house call and immediately called for an ambulance. Kemnetz wound up at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois (now OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center). That next month, she says, was also a blur. Among other things, doctors upon her arrival performed a spinal tap to examine Kemnetz’s spinal fluid. She also recalls waking up one day with doctors preparing to put her in an iron lung to help her breathe.

“I screamed at my parents not to put me in that. I was terrified,” Kemnetz says.

After leaving the hospital, Kemnetz got more treatment near her home before spending over a year at a hospital in New York. There, she reprogrammed her leg muscles to work through repetitious exercises. It’s what we know today as physical therapy. Eventually, she returned to a mostly normal life and a career in real estate.

Polio then vs. now

Albert England, MD, an infectious disease physician at OSF HealthCare, says polio has been around “for a long time.” There’s even evidence of ancient Egyptians having it, he says. The disease is caused by a virus that “invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Other symptoms are flu-like, including fever, difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, vomiting, a stiff neck and pain in the arms or legs.

Dr. England says today, doctors use ventilators to help sick people who can’t breathe. But back in 1952, the iron lung – which Kemnetz got acquainted with – was the help available for people with polio.

“It produced negative pressure around the patient, allowing the lungs to expand and contract regularly,” Dr. England explains.

“It was like having CPR 24/7,” Kemnetz says of lying in the tube. “So uncomfortable.”

Kemnetz also gave blood to help develop a polio vaccine, the number one way we have come to fight that disease and many others. It’s a topic she’s passionate about today.

“We have to save the children,” she says.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says children should get four doses of the polio vaccine as a part of routine childhood vaccinations. The CDC says while it’s rare, adults who know or suspect they did not get the shots as kids should get them as adults. Adults who are at an increased risk of getting the disease, such as working in a laboratory where the virus may be present, can get a booster shot.

“The vaccine prevents illness by developing antibodies,” Dr. England explains.

Kemnetz today

In 1985, Kemnetz developed post-polio syndrome, a disorder that weakens the nerves and muscles. She says her hands “look nice,” but everyday tasks like writing, eating or shuffling cards are tough.

“There are just not as many neurons providing the strength the people need,” Dr. England says of post-polio syndrome.

But, after being told in 1952 that walking, having children and living a long life was unlikely, Kemnetz is counting her blessings. Among them are the chances to recount her life story with her children and grandchildren.

“I think I thumbed my nose at them pretty good,” she quips about her prognosis back then. “The word ‘can’t’ isn’t in my vocabulary.”

Interview clips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Video Interview Clips

Puede que haya tenido un virus hace dos semanas, haya tratado los síntomas con antibióticos y se sienta mejor, pero siga teniendo tos. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, es neumonólogo de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center en Evergreen Park, Illinois. Atiende a pacientes a diario, sobre todo, a personas con trastornos respiratorios y enfermedades pulmonares. Explica las posibles causas de la tos persistente.

“Muchas veces se debe a una inflamación local que persiste. No hay mucho que hacer al respecto. En general, recomendamos antihistamínicos, y a veces, hay que repetirlos”, indica el Dr. Ayala. “Suele desaparecer con el tiempo, pero si no lo hace, obviamente se debe analizar”.

Los antihistamínicos pueden ser Claritin-D, Benadryl o Allegra, entre otros, y se pueden comprar sin receta.

A muchas personas, las temperaturas frías les provocan un aumento de moco en la garganta. Para esto, el Dr. Ayala recomienda otro medicamento de venta libre, Mucinex.

El Dr. Ayala recomienda vigilar los síntomas. Dado que muchas personas se resfrían y contraen virus en esta época del año, puede tratar sus síntomas en casa ya que es importante evitar que los hospitales se saturen.

“Si presenta alguna señal de alarma, como fiebre persistente o fiebre alta que dure más de uno a tres días, o síntomas que no desaparecen con medidas temporales, como la administración de Tylenol o Motrien, y perduran por más de dos o tres días, podría necesitar consultar a un médico”, dice el Dr. Ayala.

El Dr. Ayala ha observado un aumento en los pacientes con COVID-19.

“Ha habido un aumento notable. Es posible que algunas de las cepas recientes no sean tan letales o graves, pero se propagan fácilmente de una persona a otra”, remarca el Dr. Ayala.

¿Debería consultar a un médico?

La COVID-19, el virus respiratorio sincitial, las infecciones por estreptococo y la gripe son muy contagiosas, pero se suelen tratar en casa. Si tiene síntomas como tos o dolor de garganta, pero son leves y no tiene una enfermedad de alto riesgo, puede realizarse una prueba de detección de COVID-19 en su casa y tratar los síntomas con medicamentos de venta libre.

Consulte a un médico en los siguientes casos

Si tiene síntomas que no han mejorado en 10 días, tiene dificultad para respirar o una enfermedad preexistente, como diabetes, asma o EPOC. Si tiene manchas blancas en la parte posterior de la garganta, es un signo evidente de infección, por lo que deberá realizar un tratamiento médico indicado por un proveedor médico certificado.

Cómo mantenerse sano

Lávese las manos, tápese la boca al toser y quédese en casa si está enfermo.

Vídeos de Entrevistas

As many viruses are circulating around our communities, it is paramount to monitor your symptoms and know when the right time is to seek medical care in person. Sarah Overton, the Chief Nursing Officer for OSF Medical Group, Home Care and Employee Health, stresses the importance of virtual care when your symptoms are mild.

“That way we’re not exposing you to anyone in the public and you’re not exposing the health care worker to illness,” Overton says. “Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in health care worker illness where our nurses and doctors have to stay home because they are being exposed to illness.”

Hospitals across the OSF Ministry have been seeing a spike in COVID-19 patients. If you suspect you have COVID-19 but your symptoms are mild, take an at-home COVID-19 test. The federal government has another stockpile of at-home tests that are free to order on COVID.gov. Every household can receive four free rapid tests. Dr. Brian Curtis, Vice President of Clinical Specialty Services with OSF HealthCare, says taking tests at home will help free up space at medical facilities.

“Coming in just to get tested takes up spots for the people that are really sick or are high-risk,” Dr. Curtis says.

“The Emergency Room is reserved for those true emergencies,” Overton adds. “We have patients that have heart attacks and lung issues with their COPD. Additional patients overflowing the Emergency Room takes away precious time from assessing those patients who shouldn’t be exposed to those viruses while being in our waiting rooms.”

But COVID-19 isn’t the only virus making the rounds in our communities right now. Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and others are being seen often as well. So how can we stop the spread of viruses?

·         Stay home when you aren’t feeling well.

·         Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer regularly.

·         Cough or sneeze into your elbow.

·         Wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes.

·         Don’t share glasses or silverware with others.

·         Receive the flu shot.

For treating mild symptoms at home, Dr. Curtis offers some guidance for using over-the-counter options.

“You can take Tylenol or Motrin for fevers and aches. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest,” Dr. Curtis says.

Overton says to make sure you read the labels on any over-the-counter medication you buy. If you have any questions, you can ask a retail pharmacist, or send a message through MyChart to your OSF care team.

When is the right time to be seen?

“If you have a super deep cough that’s hanging on for quite a while or have a fever that lasts for several days,” Overton says. “Or if you have high-risk factors and may benefit from some of our medications for COVID, like Paxlovid, which are readily available in our retail pharmacy locations. We also have COVID-19 boosters able to be administered in our primary care offices.”

“There is a medication for influenza, but if you have a mild case, you’ll have more side effects from the medication than you are having from influenza itself. As far as RSV goes, there’s really no treatment for it except for supportive care.”

If you are sick and plan to visit a medical facility, please cover your face with a mask to decrease exposure to the health care workers.

Below you will find data about patient volumes in both the Peoria and Bloomington markets. The 7-day period covers November 28-December 4, and the 30-day period is for November 5-December 4.

Peoria Primary Care visits:

7-day period: 8,302 (1.6% increase from same 7-day period last year)

30-day period: 32,639 (4% increase from same 30-day period last year)

Peoria OnCall Urgent Care visits:

7-day period: 2,643

30-day period: 10,672 (13% increase from month before, 8.1% increase from same 30-day period last year)

Peoria PromptCare visits:

7-day period: 1,743

30-day period: 7,190 (14.3% increase from month prior)

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Department - Peoria

7-day period: 1,625 (11.1% increase from week prior)

30-day period: 6,729

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center - Bloomington

Bloomington Primary Care visits:

7-day period: 2,897 (41.5% increase from week before)

30-day period: 11,608

Bloomington OnCall Urgent care visits:

7-day period: 848 (16.8% increase from week before)

30-day period: 3,508 (10.3% increase from month prior)

Bloomington PromptCare

7-day: 1,517

30-day: 6,176 (16.2% increase from month prior)

Sarah Overton Video Interview Clips

Dr. Brian Curtis Video Interview Clips

Managing kidney failure is a huge task. But doing so while in a hospital critical care unit makes things even more challenging.

Luckily, a lifeline exists in the form of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), a form of dialysis. Normally, dialysis is an outpatient procedure where a machine does what healthy kidneys normally do – remove fluid and waste from your blood. But sometimes critically ill people are in a hospital bed, and their bodies can’t tolerate the stress of normal dialysis.

That’s where CRRT steps in.

“It’s a very slow filtration of the kidneys while they’re in this acute state. Their body may not be able to compensate for that shifting or removal of the toxins and fluids,” says Keely Nelson, OSF critical care nurse manager.

“It’s supposed to act most like what your kidneys are doing all day, every day,” says April Collins, OSF intensive care unit charge nurse. “Compared to [normal dialysis] three times a week with an aggressive pull of toxins.”

“We run it 24/7, generally five to seven days at a time,” says Leah Hawk, OSF critical care educator.

Nelson, Collins and Hawk have overseen the recent implementation of CRRT at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois.

Someone, generally, would be on CRRT until their condition improves and they can tolerate normal dialysis. Signs providers watch for include producing urine, better blood pressure readings and changing lab values that indicate better kidney function.

“[CRRT] is extremely critical,” for patients, Nelson says.

“During COVID, the patients were so incredibly sick and could not handle aggressive dialysis in the hospital. If we were able to provide [CRRT] during COVID, that would have helped a lot of patients to slowly remove those fluids while providers are hydrating them and giving them medications.”

Nelson adds that CRRT was already becoming more common at hospitals in the past five years, but the pandemic accelerated things. The concept itself is around 40 years old, she says.

Learn more about kidney care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips - Keely Nelson

Interview clip - April Collins

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Warmer temperatures bring the return of pesky insects, especially at dusk.

Experts say while most bug bites are not serious, there are times when you need to see a health care provider immediately.

Most bites can be treated quickly

Andrew Zasada, MD, an internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says treatment of most minor bug bites (think mosquito or bee) is down to a science.

First, move away from the area so the bugs don’t bite you again. If the insect left a stinger behind, gently remove it with tweezers.

“Put some ice on the bite site. Wash it gently. Put a little calamine or hydrocortisone on it. Keep it elevated,” Dr. Zasada says.

Don’t scratch the bite site. Leave it alone and let it heal. For children who may find it difficult not to itch, put a Band-Aid over the bite. You can take an antihistamine like Benadryl, Allegra or Zyrtec for itching and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

If you notice a rapid worsening of symptoms in the 30 to 45 minutes following the bite, or if the wound is not healing over several days, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. See a health care provider.

Serious insect bites

Dr. Zasada says in the Midwest, two types of spiders come with dangerous fangs: black widow and brown recluse.

“These bites can cause tissue destruction at the bite site,” Dr. Zasada explains. “The venom is very potent. It can cause cell death. It’s very irritating.”

If the venom gets into your bloodstream, then chest pain, muscle cramps, sweating and nausea could follow. Dr. Zasada says black widow and brown recluse bites are “very rarely” fatal, but the illness they bring is quite unpleasant.

If you think you’ve been bitten by a black widow or a brown recluse, see a health care provider right away. Your local urgent care is equipped to treat insect bites, but if your symptoms have worsened, the Emergency Department at your local hospital may be the best destination.

Another serious condition to keep an eye on after a bug bite is an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing and a drop in blood pressure. Dr. Zasada says some people with known allergies may have an EpiPen handy and can inject themselves to alleviate symptoms. Regardless, immediate attention from a medical professional is still needed.

 Leave the critters alone

It’s inevitable that a stroll through the neighborhood will bring an encounter with an insect like an ant or mosquito. But Dr. Zasada says spiders that pack a punch don’t want to mess with humans. They tend to come out at night and live in wooded areas or a dark space in the back of a garage.

In other words, don’t mess with them, and they won’t mess with you.

“When you take clothing out of storage, shake it to make sure there are no spiders,” Dr. Zasada suggests. “When you clean the garage, don’t sit on anything that’s been stored there for a while. Dust it off first.”

Interview clips

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'Tis the (tick) season