IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health

29 Jan 2025

Public health doesn't pause. We're still here - providing Illinoisans with health information you can trust.

🧵 Flu season might be getting a head start this year. Flu activity is rising earlier than usual in parts of the U.S. Fall just started, but it may already be time to get your flu shot.

Flu season typically picks up in October or November. This year, flu activity began rising in early September in parts of the West. It’s still low in much of the country, but it’s a good reminder: flu season doesn’t wait for winter.

Your best move? Get vaccinated. A flu shot helps protect you from severe illness and complications. Don't wait until flu is everywhere to think about protecting yourself. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about getting your flu vaccine. 💉

Measles is preventable. Illinois has confirmed 23 measles cases so far this year. The risk to most Illinoisans remains very low — but checking your MMR status is an easy step you can take now.

Think you were exposed to measles? Don’t wait it out. Call your health care provider or local health department right away. Post-exposure treatment may prevent measles or make it less severe if given quickly.

dph.illinois.govIDPH Urges Illinoisans to Get Vaccinated Against Measles as Cases Rise

One more thing: IDPH is tracking potential measles exposure locations and updating the list as needed. Check the list + get measles prevention info: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

Measles is preventable. Illinois has confirmed 23 measles cases so far this year. The risk to most Illinoisans remains very low — but checking your MMR status is an easy step you can take now.

Two doses of MMR = 97% effective at preventing measles. So… when was your last dose? Check your vaccination records or ask your health care provider if you’re not sure.

There are communities in Illinois with lower vaccination rates, including areas currently experiencing a measles outbreak. IDPH and local health departments are working on the ground to get more people vaccinated and stop the spread.

Mother and Child Alliance (MACA)

22 Sept

⚠️ Check your hand soap. Six hand soap products have been recalled due to potential bacterial contamination. The products were sold in Illinois and 14 other states. If you have a recalled product, stop using it and check the recall details: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=99466

IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health reposted

@motherchild.bsky.social

2 Sept

You're pregnant! You probably have a lot of things on your mind. Make sure one of those things is a syphilis test. We've teamed up with @idph.bsky.social (Illinois Department of Public Health) to tell you why in the thread below. ⬇️

11 Sept

Respiratory virus season is here 🫁 Check this year’s immunization recommendations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Save it, share it, and talk with your health care provider about what’s recommended for you. Full guidance: https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2026/september/release-20260910.html

dph.illinois.govIDPH Reaffirms Existing Child Immunization Schedule Based on Science

12 Aug

An executive order doesn't erase decades of science. Illinois' childhood immunization schedule remains unchanged, because vaccines are safe, effective, and one of our best tools for protecting kids from serious preventable illness. Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

11 Aug

the stores are in full 🎃👻🍂 mode, but flu season isn’t quite here yet. for most people, September or October is the best time to get your flu shot to help provide the best protection throughout flu season. talk to your doctor about the best timing for you.

explosive diarrhea-causing parasites being destroyed when you cook produce to at least 158°F

Most healthy people recover in 1–2 weeks with rest and fluids, but diarrhea can come and go for a month or longer. Some people may need prescription antibiotics. If you think you have cyclosporiasis, contact your health care provider.

One more reminder: 🧼 Wash your hands before handling produce. 🥩 Keep produce separate from raw meat and seafood. 🧊 Refrigerate cut or cooked fruits and vegetables within 2 hours.

explosive diarrhea-causing parasites being destroyed when you cook produce to at least 158°F

Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that can contaminate food or water, most often fresh produce like leafy greens, herbs, berries, and snow peas. It spreads by eating contaminated food or water—not from casual person-to-person contact.

Symptoms usually start about 1 week after exposure and can include: 💧 Watery diarrhea 🤢 Nausea 😖 Stomach cramps 🎈 Bloating/gas 😴 Fatigue Some people don't have symptoms at all.

explosive diarrhea-causing parasites being destroyed when you cook produce to at least 158°F

But let's be real... cooked salad? 🤔 Not everything is meant to be cooked. That's why washing produce is still important—whether you're eating it raw or cooking it.

Skip the soap. Rinse fruits and vegetables under clean running water and scrub firm produce (like melons) with a produce brush. Remove bruised or damaged spots, and peel produce when possible.

explosive diarrhea-causing parasites being destroyed when you cook produce to at least 158°F

If you've seen Cyclospora in the news lately, here's what to know: Cooking produce to 158°F (70°C) or higher kills the parasite. Whenever it makes sense, choosing cooked produce over raw can reduce your risk.

keepcool.illinois.govKeep Cool IllinoisWelcome to Keep Cool Illinois, a collaborative effort by state agencies working together to serve the state's residents. Keep Cool Illinois is a one-stop site for information about how to beat the heat of summer in Illinois, how to stay safe during the ...

30 June

⚠️ Hydration checkpoint. Drink some water. Find some shade or AC. Check on your people. More heat safety tips: keepcool.illinois.gov

29 June

Good morning. It's hot out there. 🥵 Illinois is in for extreme heat this week. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade or air conditioning, and check in on neighbors, older adults, and anyone without reliable cooling.

Every person should be able to access reproductive health care when and where they need it. In Illinois, we're expanding access to contraception through trained pharmacists across the state. 🧵

"Reproductive health care must be accessible, safe, timely, and centered around the needs of Illinois residents." — IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra

dph.illinois.govIllinois Department of Public Health Expands Access to Reproductive Health Products

This update builds on a 2023 standing order and is part of Illinois' ongoing efforts to expand access to reproductive health care and reduce barriers to care statewide. 📰 Learn more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

Every person should be able to access reproductive health care when and where they need it. In Illinois, we're expanding access to contraception through trained pharmacists across the state. 🧵

Before providing prescription contraception, pharmacists must: ✔️ Complete state-approved training ✔️ Review a patient self-screening assessment ✔️ Confirm the medication is medically appropriate ✔️ Provide counseling and education

If a pharmacist determines a patient needs additional care, they'll provide a referral to a physician or other health care provider.

Every person should be able to access reproductive health care when and where they need it. In Illinois, we're expanding access to contraception through trained pharmacists across the state. 🧵

What's new? The updated IDPH standing order now includes: ✅ Prescription hormonal contraception ✅ Prescription non-hormonal contraception ✅ Emergency contraception

The standing order also supports insurance coverage for: ✅ Over-the-counter contraception ✅ Emergency contraception ✅ Condoms ✅ Pregnancy tests

Every person should be able to access reproductive health care when and where they need it. In Illinois, we're expanding access to contraception through trained pharmacists across the state. 🧵

Illinois pharmacists who complete specialized training can now provide more contraceptive options directly to patients, helping reduce barriers to care and making it easier to access reproductive health services.

17 June

If you're an Illinois resident, you've probably checked the weather app at least three times today. 🌪️ With severe weather likely in much of the state, now is a good time to make sure you're prepared.

17 June

With severe weather likely today, take a few minutes to: ✓ Charge devices ✓ Review your emergency plan ✓ Know where you'll shelter ✓ Prepare for potential power outages

17 June

One more thing: food safety. If the power goes out, refrigerated food may become unsafe after 4 hours. When in doubt, throw it out. Stay safe, Illinois. 🌪️

Things we wish more people knew about air purifiers 🧵

Before you buy, check: ✓ True HEPA filter ✓ Room size coverage ✓ CADR rating ✓ Filter replacement costs ✓ Noise level

And don't forget maintenance. A dirty filter can't do its job. Cleaner indoor air starts with small steps.

Things we wish more people knew about air purifiers 🧵

If you're shopping for one, look for a True HEPA filter. HEPA filters are the gold standard for capturing tiny airborne particles (like the ones that cause COVID-19, colds, and flu).

They're important tools, but they're not magic. They DON'T: ✗ Instantly remove all germs ✗ Replace ventilation ✗ Clean an entire home from one room ✗ Cure allergies or asthma And they work best when used in combination with other healthy habits!

Things we wish more people knew about air purifiers 🧵

Most of us spend the majority of our time indoors. The air inside can contain dust, smoke, pollen, pet dander, mold particles, and other airborne pollutants.

Air purifiers work by pulling air through a filter and trapping particles before circulating cleaner air back into the room.

⚠️ "Should I be worried about Ebola?" Short answer: risk is extremely low. Long answer: keep reading. Here’s what Illinois residents should know 🧵

We know news about outbreaks can feel alarming. Right now, the risk to the general public in Illinois remains low, and public health agencies are actively monitoring the situation.

Misinformation spreads fast during outbreaks. For updates, rely on trusted public health sources like IDPH.

⚠️ "Should I be worried about Ebola?" Short answer: risk is extremely low. Long answer: keep reading. Here’s what Illinois residents should know 🧵

To help prevent spread, the CDC has increased traveler screening measures and restricted entry of non-U.S. citizens from impacted countries. Travelers who have recently visited affected areas are also being funneled through Washington Dulles Airport for additional public health monitoring.

Illinois has preparedness plans in place for diseases like Ebola. IDPH is coordinating closely with CDC, healthcare systems, laboratories, and local health departments. Illinois also has specialized treatment centers prepared to care for potential Ebola patients if needed.

⚠️ "Should I be worried about Ebola?" Short answer: risk is extremely low. Long answer: keep reading. Here’s what Illinois residents should know 🧵

IDPH is closely monitoring an Ebola outbreak affecting parts of Central and East Africa. At this time, the risk to people in Illinois remains LOW. There are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the U.S.

Ebola is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. People who become sick often require intensive medical care. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of someone who is sick with Ebola. It does NOT spread through casual contact.