THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS URGING FAMILIES TO HELP PROTECT LOVED ONES FROM COVID-19 AND OTHER ILLNESSES OVER THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. 

BESIDES THE BASICS OF COVERING YOUR COUGH AND SNEEZES AND STAYING HOME IF YOU'RE SICK, STATE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DOCTOR ARTI BARNES SUGGESTS IMPROVING VENTILATION IN YOUR HOME DURING LARGE FAMILY GATHERINGS. THAT INCLUDES OPENING WINDOWS IF POSSIBLE AND USING FANS TO CIRCULATE THE AIR. SHE ALSO RECOMMENDS A HEPA AIR CLEANER.

BARNES STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING YOUR ANNUAL FLU SHOT AND LATEST COVID BOOSTER, CITING A POTENTIAL SURGE IN CASES THIS WINTER. SHE ALSO RECOMMENDS TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE VENTILATION INCLUDING OPENING WINDOWS AND USING A HEPA AIR FILTER.

BARNES SAYS THE C-D-C HAS A UNIQUE TOOL ON ITS WEBSITE TO HELP FIGURE OUT WHAT SORT OF VENTILATION MEASURES YOU CAN TAKE AND HOW EFFECTIVE THEY WILL BE.