(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The top public health doctor in Illinois says the number of people admitted to hospitals for treatment of respiratory viruses is growing.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said the statewide increase of new COVID-19 hospital admissions is about 20 percent, while hospitalizations for the flu and RSV are also on the rise.
Health officials worry holiday gatherings could lead to further increases in infection rates, unless people take precautions.
Those include COVID-19 testing, regular hand-washing, wearing masks in crowded places, as well as staying home and seeking treatment if sick.
Dr. Vohra also recommends getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, as well as the RSV vaccine when recommended by a medical professional.
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