Two Pediatric Flu Deaths Reported in Chicago

Two pediatric seasonal influenza deaths have been reported to CDPH, both in children under 2 years old, as flu cases continue to spike across the City. Chicago did not experience any pediatric flu deaths last year (2023-24) and has seen a median of one such death annually over the last 10 years.

“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.”

Seasonal flu shots are recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older. CDPH's immunization clinics provide vaccines to anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status. Individuals are also encouraged to check with their local pharmacy or healthcare provider for any needed vaccinations.

Stay Warm in the Cold This Winter

2025 is off to a cold start. CDPH is urging all Chicagoans to stay warm and safe this January. The City of Chicago provides warming centers across the city on weekdays when temperatures are 32 degrees or below. Additionally, public libraries are open to offer shelter from the cold. If you need non-emergency health or social support, call 3-1-1 for assistance.

Here are some tips to help you stay warm and safe this winter:

• Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing, focusing on keeping your head, ears, hands, and feet warm.
• Don't forget essentials like a hat, scarf, and gloves.
• Stay dry! Wet clothing can cause your body to lose heat much faster.
• Sip on warm beverages to help your body retain heat.
• Avoid alcohol, as it can cause your body to lose heat more quickly.
• Use electric heaters with care—keep them clear of clothing and blankets.
• Never use gas ovens or burners to heat your home.

Let's start the new year by keeping ourselves and our neighbors safe and warm.

CDPH Observes Dry January

Chicago is all set to host the first Dry January® USA event of 2024. From January 7-13, buildings downtown will light the Chicago skyline yellow to encourage Chicagoans to take a break from alcohol for a week and raise awareness of the health benefits of reduced alcohol consumption.

Dry January® is a public health campaign which encourages Americans to begin the year without alcohol, helping them reset their relationship with drinking and experience the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory drawing attention to the direct link between alcohol consumption and increased cancer risk. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity. “Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States - greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. - yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk,” said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, the Illinois helpline can help. Visit HelplineIL.org, call (833) 234-6343 or text “HELP” to 833234. Medication-assisted Recovery (MAR) can curb alcohol cravings and reduce consumption effectively.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

What are Victim Services? On a new episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, Stephaney Harris (Victim Services Lead at the Community Safety Coordination Center with CDPH) and JaShawn Hill (Executive Director of Chicago Survivors) discuss what victim services are, why it is so important, and how direct and indirect victims of violent crime can receive care for their exposure to traumatic experiences.

Chicago Survivors is a victim-led, community-based organization promoting the healing of communities and families affected by violent death through empathetic, trauma-informed, multifaceted approaches to support. The group's services are free and available 24/7.

Listen/watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

If you or those you care about need immediate support, contact Chicago Survivors' hotline at 877-863-6338. For non-immediate support, visit chicagosurvivors.org. For victim services across Chicago, visit the CDPH website.

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