While a seasonal uptick in respiratory viruses is expected in winter each year, we’re still seeing higher overall numbers than in previous seasons, Sundareshan said. Along with respiratory viruses, a “very contagious” stomach bug is also causing illnesses.

— The flu, caused by influenza viruses that are always changing, leads to fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches and feeling tired. Flu symptoms tend to hit more quickly than cold symptoms, and can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is asking residents to stay vigilant against the rise of norovirus. In a Facebook post on Monday, department officials said the virus is making its rounds across the state.

“Norovirus outbreaks are increasing due to a rise in social gatherings and travel, particularly during the winter months,” Will County’s Chief Epidemiologist Alpesh Patel said.

As illnesses continue to rise across Illinois, health officials are warning of the most common sicknesses spreading throughout the state.

Washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, not sharing food and drinks, and washing and drying your clothing in high heat are your best bets to preventing this virus from getting in your system. "To prevent the virus from spreading, experts also recommend washing and drying clothes in a high-heat setting.

The CDC and IDPH have reported increased numbers of norovirus in Illinois and the country, with outbreaks occurring in Will County, and the Will County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Norovirus outbreaks are on the rise, possibly due to more intermingling among people since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norovirus cases have doubled compared to this ... Additionally, rates are highest in Midwestern states like Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio, among others, with one in three ...

This year, in addition to the typically annual illnesses, there is a rising number of norovirus outbreaks, otherwise known as a "stomach bug," according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and ...

This winter's wave of norovirus infections has reached levels that are now more than double last season's peak, in figures published Monday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...

Bon Secours and Prisma Health are implementing new visitor restrictions as cases of influenza and respiratory illnesses rise across the country.