Influenza in suburban Cook County
Flu, or influenza, is a virus that spreads easily from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing. The Seasonal Flu in the U.S. usually occurs between October and April and causes about 36,000 deaths each year.
In April 2009, when seasonal flu season should have been ending, a new flu virus appeared. Novel H1N1 Flu began spreading in the U.S. and around the world and continued to spread throughout the summer months. Unlike seasonal flu, Novel H1N1 Flu has affected more people under the age of 25, and fewer people over the age of 64.
To prevent and control the spread of the Flu, CCDPH works with IDPH and CDC to: