Champaign County is seeing an uptick in flu cases, according to the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD).
CUPHD said in a news release residents should take precautions to protect themselves and others from the virus. The news comes as Illinois has reported its first pediatric death from flu this season, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Nationally, there have been nine pediatric deaths due to influenza this season. During the 2024-2025 season, Illinois reported 12 pediatric deaths from influenza, six from RSV and three from COVID-19.
The CUPHD said a new variant of influenza known as A H3N2 or ‘subclade K,’ has become the dominant strain the U.S. after emerging earlier this year. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, headaches, fatigue, congestion, coughing, and sore throat.
The district said the most effective way for those six months and older to protect themselves is to get vaccinated against flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, which can be found at pharmacies and other health care facilities.
IDPH has a vaccine locator tool for those looking for vaccines. CUPHD recommends several other preventative measures that include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often with soap and water, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth as well as wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.