Several Illinois counties still remain at a "high" COVID alert level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and while transmission continues, many will want to be aware of the symptoms to watch for.
Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic across Illinois today:
COVID-19 Symptoms Have Changed Over Time. Here Are the Latest Signs of Infection to Look Out For
As COVID-19 continues to mutate, the virus is also finding new ways to present itself in patients.
It's important to note what COVID-19 symptoms may appear as, considering the latest BA.5 variant remains the country's dominant driver of infections, and that the pandemic is facing its third winter — a season that has been typically marked by a surge in cases.
Read more here.
COVID by the Numbers: 28 Illinois Counties Sit at ‘High' Community Levels
Illinois continues to wrestle with COVID-19, with 28 counties remaining at a “high” community level of the virus, according to the latest data released Friday by Illinois health officials.
Portions of northwest Illinois, including Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Dekalb, Lee and Whiteside, fall into the "high" community level category.
A couple western counties are also at a "high" level of virus activity: Adams and Pike.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly> Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
Read more here.
Are You Still Contagious With COVID After 5 Days? Here's What We Know
As COVID's incubation period changes, what does that mean for isolation time and how long you are contagious?
During a Facebook Live last month, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady reported that recent studies have shown the incubation period for COVID has dropped to three days with recent variants.
Read more here.
Coronavirus in Illinois: Nearly 20K New Cases, 64 Deaths Reported in Last Week
Illinois health officials reported 19,933 new COVID-19 cases over the past week, along with 64 additional deaths, marking a decrease in cases from a week prior, as 28 counties within the state remain at a "high" community level for COVID-19.
Read more here.
How Long Are You Contagious With COVID? The Incubation Period Has Changed, Top Doc Says
COVID's incubation period has changed with the extra-contagious BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants, Chicago's top doctor said, but what does that mean for how long you are contagious?
During a Facebook Live last month, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady reported that recent studies have shown the incubation period for COVID has dropped to three days with recent variants.
Read more here.
Is a Rash a Sign of COVID? Here's What to Know About Symptoms
According to the latest COVID update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the BA.5 lineage of the omicron variant is now the most prevalent strain of the virus in the U.S., and that variant comes with a shift in symptoms. But what if you have a symptom that isn't among the most common?
Read more here.
Can You Mix and Match Your COVID Booster Shot?
For those who are planning to get a COVID booster shot, will they need to get the same vaccine as their primary series or can they mix and match?
The answer depends.
Read more here.
If You've Already Had a Booster Shot, Can You Get the New COVID Vaccine?
The new COVID vaccines designed to specifically target the omicron variant and its highly contagious subvariants come with plenty of questions, including some from those wondering if they can still get the updated booster even if they already had a booster vaccine?
The answer is yes, as long as your last booster dose was at least two months ago.
Read more here.
Where Can You Find COVID Booster Shots in the Chicago and Who's Eligible? Top Doc Explains
What's Behind That Sore Throat? How to Know if It's COVID, Allergies, Strep or More
Have a sore throat but aren't sure what's causing it?
There are several possibilities that could be behind the symptom, with things like COVID, allergies and strep throat all leading to similar symptoms.
Currently, allergy season is peaking in the Chicago area, bringing a rash of cold-like symptoms, with the peak expected to continue until the end of September for those particularly sensitive to ragweed.
Read more here.
