As the chill of winter approaches, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging residents to get protected from seasonal respiratory bugs. 

With the holiday season bringing family gatherings and festive celebrations, public health officials predict an increase in seasonal illnesses. 

IDPH is reporting a significant rise in whooping cough (pertussis) cases, with October seeing 408 cases—the highest monthly total in 20 years and more than double October 2023. So far, over 1,900 confirmed and probable cases have been recorded in Illinois this year, the highest since 2012, IDPH is also offering a few tips to prevent the spread of illness as families gather for the holidays. They recommend that hosts consider areas or rooms that offer good ventilation for guests, encourage good hygiene and hand washing, and to remind guests to cover coughs and sneezes.

For more information and guidance on how to get protected, click here.