Jackson County, IL
Coronavirus Hub
The health and safety of our residents is our first priority, Here you will find the most up to date information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Guidance
(Updated September 29, 2025)
Background
CDC has predicted that the total combined number of peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV will be similar this fall and winter as compared to last season, with the COVID-19 peak hospitalization rate predicted to be similar or higher, influenza lower, and RSV similar to last season.
Last season, in Illinois, hospitalizations for all acute respiratory illnesses combined peaked in January 2025, with influenza peaking in February 2025, and RSV and COVID-19 both peaking in January 2025.
During the official 2024-25 respiratory season which lasted from September 29, 2024 to May 17, 2025, there were 2,488 cases of influenza with intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 1,047 cases of RSV with
ICU admission, and 1,140 cases of COVID-19 with ICU admission. Cases from 2025 are not finalized, and case counts may change slightly as additional information is received.
There were a total of 12 influenza, 6 RSV, and 3 COVID-19 pediatric deaths in Illinois during the 2024-2025 season.
Under current guidance, if you are ill with a respiratory virus (or tested positive), you can resume normal activities* when, for at least 24 hours, both of these conditions are true:
• Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
• You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
* However, while you can resume normal activities, you should take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
• Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
• If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
See examples of how to apply the updated isolation guidance for respiratory viruses.
The new Respiratory Virus Guidance is for the general public, however, persons who may be more susceptible to respiratory viruses, may need to take more advanced precautions. This includes older persons, those with weakened immune systems or pregnant people.
The new isolation guidance is not applicable in healthcare settings. Such facilities should continue to follow previous guidance.
JCHD administers vaccines under CDC and ACIP guidelines. As of September 8, 2025 the guidelines for the new 2025-2026 Covid formulation have not been approved by the CDC and ACIP. These groups meet on September 18th and 19th, 2025. We hope to have an anticipated date for administration of updated Covid vaccines at JCHD after these meetings.
JCHD also carries flu vaccine and high-dose (age 65 & older) flu vaccine, as well as RSV vaccine for persons age 60-75 with qualifying medical conditions. Those age 75 and older qualify for the RSV vaccine. Most insurances are accepted for vaccinations. JCHD does not accept Tricare, Tricare4Life, or other forms of Tricare VA Military insurance. For those that are uninsured or underinsured, JCHD has flu and RSV vaccines for a nominal out-of-pocket fee. Make an immunization appointment here or by calling 618-684-3143, ext. 150.
COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:
• All children ages 6 months through 23 months.
• Children ages 2 years through 17 years who have at least one underlying risk factor, who have weakened immune systems, who have never been previously vaccinated for Covid-19, or who live in congregate settings or live in households with those at risk for severe Covid-19.
• Children ages 2 years through 17 years whose parent or guardian desires their protection from COVID-19.
*JCHD currently only keeps Moderna in stock for children.
Location: Front building, 415 Health Department Rd, Murphysboro, IL 62966
If you are immunocompromised:
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine 2 months after your initial vaccine.