CHICAGO — The flu's on its way out, but city officials say residents should still take precautions against it.
The virus hit the city earlier and harder this flu season than in seasons past. In early January, some hospitals were dealing with so many cases that they had to turn away patients.
Since Sept. 30, there have been 165 flu-related hospitalizations in Chicago, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. Only three of those occurred in the week ending Feb. 2.
"It looks like we are through the thick of it, but we aren't out of the woods yet," said Brian Richardson, spokesman for the city health department. "People should still get vaccinations and take precautions."
Despite the number of cases tapering off in recent weeks, the number of current cases is still higher than it was at this point last year, according to city data.
