Influenza and RSV positivity rates are on an upward trend in Chicago, as a national spike in norovirus cases also burdens DePaul students with contagious symptoms.

The acute respiratory illness activity level is high across Chicago, with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) levels remaining particularly elevated and increasing according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Emergency Department (ED) visits are up 5.6% this week for those struggling with the flu, with RSV ED visits seeing a 1.4% rise. 

Jacob Martin, public information coordinator for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said the winter cold and flu season is amplified due to continued fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“Surges of respiratory viruses are an annual occurrence around this time of the year, but surges of flu and RSV in particular have been much higher in the last couple years when compared to 2020-2022, when flu was heavily depressed by COVID-19 pandemic measures,” Martin said in an email to the DePaulia. 

The runny nose, fever and cough that accompany illnesses like RSV and flu aren’t the only symptoms that Chicagoans are battling this winter. 

Norovirus, an extremely contagious stomach bug, is also seeing a surge in cases. There were 91 suspected or confirmed cases in the first week of December in the United States, according to the most recent available data from the CDC. 

Norovirus can bring about sudden and unpleasant gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. Those infected with norovirus can also experience a low-grade fever and muscle aches. 

Craig Klugman, DePaul professor of bioethics and health humanities, says norovirus is not one that we see rise on a “normal basis,” like respiratory viruses during the winter months, and warns students to remain diligent about cleaning surfaces and washing their hands. 

The number of norovirus cases surpasses the number of outbreaks that were recorded by the CDC during the same week in previous years. 

Norovirus symptoms also plagued DePaul students during the winter holidays. Noah Tomko-Jones was sick twice during winter break.

Tomko-Jones experienced a respiratory illness along with supposed norovirus that resulted in a trip to the hospital to receive fluids. 

“I lost about eight pounds in a week. It was probably the worst I ever felt, and I have a feeling it was almost certainly norovirus although I never received an official diagnosis,” Tomko-Jones said. 

Martin, from the Department of Public health, recommends certain safety measures to protect students from getting sick, such as staying home, resting, washing hands frequently and getting plenty of fluids. 

As flu season comes around, the attitude surrounding sickness and preventative measures has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Klugman.

Klugman identified a culture in the pre-pandemic years that he says encouraged “a point in pride” of working or attending classes despite being sick. 

There is now more leeway granted to those who decide to stay home when symptomatic, as isolating is now perceived as an act of care in order to prevent the spread of viruses, Klugman says. 

As a professor, Klugman has implemented certain measures in his classes to ensure students can have an easier time not attending in-person classes when having symptoms, as he includes a Zoom link for every class so students aren’t “penalized” for not being able to come to campus. 

DePaul students and Chicago residents can also utilize the numerous public health resources the city provides. The Chicago Department of Public Health offers flu vaccines for all residents six months or older. 

The department also hosts vaccine pop-up events, where residents can go to get vaccinated for the flu and Covid-19. 

Klugman recommends that DePaul students stay diligent in their efforts to get vaccinated this winter season. 

In Chicago, 23.6% of residents  have received their flu vaccines as of Jan. 4. Klugman says there’s “still time” to get vaccinated and to ensure adequate immunity as flu season continues. 

Klugman added that DePaul students should continue to communicate with their professors throughout flu season and the norovirus surge.

“Don’t just not show up and assume everything will be fine. Send me an email an hour before class that day … let me know what’s going on. That way, I’ll be more willing and able to help you,” Klugman said.

Related stories:

• DePaul removes Covid-19 vaccine requirement
• Biden and Pritzker to end Covid-19 ‘Public Health Emergency’ Declaration in May
• Community Health task force to consult CDPH weekly on Monkeypox recommendations

Stay informed with The DePaulia’s top stories, delivered to your inbox every Monday.