COVID-19 Case-by-Case Update: Flu Season

Photo courtesy to the CDC

NORMAL, Ill.- McLean County Health Department is reporting 15 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing the total to 3163 cases.

Currently, 584 individuals are isolating at home.  Seven individuals are hospitalized, with two in the Intensive Care Unit.  There are 2553 individuals that have been released from isolation and are considered recovered.

There have been 19 COVID-related deaths in McLean County.

More than 67,000 tests have been resulted overall, and the cumulative positivity rate is 4.7%. The rolling 7-day positivity rate is 4.1% through Sept. 20.

Another contagious virus is not to be forgotten about this season.

“Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during this flu season to protect yourself, your family and your community,” said Health department Administrator jessica McKnight. “A flu vaccine can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. September and October are good times to get a flu vaccine.​ The more people vaccinated; the more people protected. Do your part and get a flu vaccine this fall.”

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.