Kendall County Health Department urging county residents to get flu shots now

The Kendall County Health Department (KCHD) has issued a reminder to county residents to schedule their flu shots as soon as possible this season.

The health department emphasized the need for individuals to obtain a flu shot is even more important this year to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in a recent press release.

The health department reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 among county residents on Monday, Oct. 19.

The additional cases brought the total number of COVID-19 cases in the county to 2,523 with a total of 2,023 of those cases listed as being in recovery, according to a health department statement. Total number of deaths in the county due to COVID-19 remained at 28, according to the health department.

The health department warns that flu and COVID-19 each can cause serious respiratory illness and co-infection could possibly lead to more severe illnesses, hospitalization and even death.

To find a location to get a flu shot in your community, the health department advises residents to check with their health care provider or use the online Vaccine Finder at VaccineFinder.org. Everyone six months of age and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is available as either a flu shot or in a nasal spray. Residents should talk with their health care provider about what type is most appropriate for them.

While a vaccine for COVID-19 is still under development, there is a vaccine for flu that has been proven to be safe and effective over the past 50 years, according to the health department. Getting a flu vaccine can help you avoid co-infection with COVID-19 and flu.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, KCHD recommends following the 3 W’s for both COVID- 19 and influenza: wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your mask.

Viruses spread when people who are infected cough, sneeze or talk. Flu usually comes on suddenly. Many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are the same, such as fever and cough, but there are some differences. If you have symptoms of either flu or COVID-19, self-isolate and contact a health care provider.

COVID-19 testing available

A free drive-through COVID-19 testing site is located at 2450 N. Farnsworth Ave., in Aurora, less than half a mile from the Chicago Premium Outlets. The free drive-through and walk-up testing site is open 7 days a week from 8am until 4pm. The Aurora testing site will continue to serve the outer suburbs of Chicago, being the third-most active site in the Northeast region, providing an average of 450 free tests to the surrounding communities.

Many healthcare providers in Kendall County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. For additional information and current updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit the KCHD website kendallhealth.org or call the health department at 630-553-9100.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit our Kendall County Health Department COVID-19 information page