Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the … – Suburban Chicagoland

Although COVID-19 hospital admissions in suburban Cook County continue to be low, they have almost doubled since the beginning of November; and emergency room visits associated with COVID have been trending upward since early October.

That is why Cook County Department of Public Health is urging residents to take precautions when gathering with their families and friends for the holidays.

We want to encourage Cook County residents to remain vigilant during this holiday season, said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.

The single most important way to protect yourself and your families from COVID, flu, and RSV is to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations. Its science at work. Its safe. Its proven. And it works.

According toCook County Department of Public Healthdata for the week ending Nov. 25, there are seven COVID-19 hospital admissions for every 100,000 residents of suburban Cook County. Most admissions are among those age 65 and older.

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater is an early indicator of COVID-19 activity. Wastewater viral concentrations are currently at the highest levels seen so far this year, indicating ongoing community transmission.

As of Dec. 1, 10% of Cook County residents have received the 2023-2024 updated annual COVID-19 vaccine.Everyone 6 months and older should get updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines each year. Immunization for RSV is recommended for infants; and the RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant women and adults 60 years and older. Adults can receive the RSV, COVID-19, and flu vaccines at the same time.

In addition to staying up to date on all recommended vaccinations, Cook County Department of Public Health recommends residents take the following precautions when gathering during the holidays:

Find more information and resources about vaccinations atBoostUpCookCounty.com.

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily Newscriticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

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Cook County Department of Public Health Urges Suburban Cook County to Take COVID Precautions During the ... - Suburban Chicagoland