Flu vaccination rates remain alarmingly low
February 4, 2026 – As flu cases continue to rise, doctors are seeing a troubling increase in severe and sometimes life-threatening complications — particularly in children.
While influenza is often dismissed as a routine seasonal illness, medical experts warn it can lead to infections that affect the lungs, brain, heart and other vital organs.
Mustafa Bakir, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, says the flu’s ability to damage the body’s natural defenses is what makes it especially dangerous.
Flu vaccination rates remain alarmingly low
January 20, 2026 – Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people becoming sick with influenza (flu) has drastically increased each respiratory illness season.
A major part of that, according to Mustafa Bakir, MD, pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, is due to extremely low vaccination rates.
How vaccines strengthen natural immunity
January 20, 2026 – When a child suddenly refuses to walk days after recovering from the flu, it can be terrifying for parents, but doctors say a little-known condition called viral myositis is often the cause.
It’s a muscle condition most often seen in children during or shortly after common viral infections, especially influenza (the flu). While the condition can be alarming for parents, medical experts say it is usually temporary and treatable with proper care.
Mustafa Bakir, MD, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, explains the condition, and what parents should do if this happens with their kids.
How vaccines strengthen natural immunity
January 12, 2026 – For many adults, especially those who grew up in an era when measles, chickenpox or the flu were simply “childhood illnesses,” it can feel natural to believe that getting sick is how the body builds strong immunity.
While infection does contribute to the immune “library,” modern vaccines offer a safer, more reliable way to add to that protection without the risks of serious illness, hospitalization or long-term complications.
As flu activity surges across the U.S. this winter, experts emphasize that vaccines remain one of the strongest tools for maintaining health and preserving natural immunity over a lifetime. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, shares why vaccines are such a powerful tool.
Respiratory illness update | Friday, January 9
January 9, 2026 – Respiratory illness activity continues to be high across Illinois and Michigan. Hospitalizations for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 all increased ahead of the New Year.
Data across the Ministry:
More than 7,000 influenza tests were administered from 12/28 – 1/3 with a 23.3% positivity rate.
Tests slightly decreased from the week before, along with the positivity rate – which was 30% the week prior.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to circulate throughout the region. Nearly 2,000 RSV swabs were administered between 12/28 – 1/3, with a 3.8% positivity rate.
Roughly 5,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in the above-mentioned time frame, with an 11.3% positivity rate for each of the last 2 weeks.
In an effort to protect our patients, their family members and OSF Mission Partners – OSF will continue to offer complimentary masks to all guests and Mission Partners when entering any of our facilities.
Visitor restrictions are in place, with a limit of two visitors 18 years of age or older, per patient at any time. Exceptions may be made for those under 18, as well as those in isolation for influenza-like illness, to promote the patient’s emotional well-being. Exceptions may also be made for end-of-life or other extreme circumstances.
As each situation may be unique and challenging, we graciously ask for patients to feel empowered and have a conversation with their OSF care team to discuss their situation.
Can’t stop coughing?
January 6, 2026 – Can’t stop coughing? It’s a common question happening with all of the upper respiratory illness going around including colds, flu and RSV.
Maybe two weeks ago you had a virus, you treated the symptoms with antibiotics, you’re feeling much better, but the cough is just lingering. Juanbosco Ayala, MD, is a pulmonologist in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He provides medical care to patients on a daily basis, especially people who have breathing disorders and lung disease, and explains potential reasons why coughs linger on the OSF Newsroom.
Staying healthy this holiday season
December 22, 2025 – Each winter, flu activity tends to rise just as families begin gathering for the holidays. This year is no exception. National surveillance data shows influenza circulating in many regions of the country, with ongoing activity expected through winter.
As travel, school breaks and holiday events increase, health experts emphasize planning ahead to stay well. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, shares tips for staying healthy this holiday season.
Scrub Smarter: Bathroom hygiene tips
December 15, 2025 – Bathrooms are filled with germ-breeding objects, and your toilet isn’t the sole culprit.
Showers, toothbrushes, soap dispensers and any surface can be added to the germy list, according to Kaylin Heinz, an infection preventionist RN with OSF HealthCare. Heinz offers some cleaning tips for the different areas of your bathroom that can be found on the OSF Newsroom.
Flu vaccine:
December 9, 2025 – Each flu season, families look for ways to protect themselves while juggling busy schedules – and for parents of children who fear needles, vaccinations can be especially challenging. This year brings a new, convenient option: a nasal spray flu vaccine that can be delivered directly to your home. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, speaks to the improvement in access, and decrease in anxiety for kids this provides.
Outdoor safety:
December 2, 2025 – A good way to prevent winter illnesses is by staying safe outdoors. Maddy Draper, APRN, a provider at OSF OnCall, has tips about bundling up and more.
Hand hygiene:
November 25, 2025 – Emily Isom has a resolution for kids and their parents with holiday gatherings upon us: pledge to keep your hands clean and away from your face to prevent the spread of illness.
Isom, a certified medical assistant in pediatrics at OSF HealthCare, often sees young people biting dirty fingernails and not washing their hands properly. She has a primer here.
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD):
November 7, 2025 – One viral infection to pay close attention to this season is hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).
HFMD typically impacts young children, but adults and older children can get it, too. It causes painful red blisters in the mouth and throat, and on the hands, feet, and diaper area. HFMD is most common in children who are in child care because young children need frequent diaper changes and help using the bathroom. They also tend to put their hands in their mouths.
Find more information about symptoms and treatment options here.
RSV hospitalizations 2024:
November 6, 2025 – There was a steep decline in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations among infants last RSV season, offering welcome relief this time around. Health officials point to the new vaccines and preventive antibodies as the driving force behind the turnaround.
Read about the stark drop in RSV hospitalizations in the full article here.
COPD 2025:
November 4, 2025 – It’s something Michael Daley, MD, sees in the emergency department often and especially this time of year: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
Dr. Daley, who provides care at OSF HealthCare, says while there’s no cure for COPD, medicine has come a long way to improve your quality of life with the disease.
Read the full story here.
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