Wherever you go in Chicago, it seems there’s somebody nearby with a cough, runny nose, or congestion. So, what is the city's status during the current respiratory virus season? Medical Director Dr. Brian Borah talks with Senior Epidemiologist Stephanie Gretsch about activity levels of flu, RSV, and COVID; overall trends around virus activity levels; and how to protect yourself when diseases are at elevated levels.

Find out where to get vaccinated and current respiratory illness activity in Chicago.

Dive into the data with the 2025-’26 mid-respiratory season Vaccine Coverage here.

On the last episode of the season, the two-person “Team Tobacco” Chioma Ejiofor (Public Health Administrator III) and Juan Ortega (Public Health Administrator III) discuss the difference between tobacco and nicotine, how smoking affects the brain and body, predatory marketing from the tobacco industry, and how you can get assistance should you want to quit.

Get help quitting tobacco at the Illinois Tobacco Quitline (https://www.quityes.org/) or call 1-866-QUIT-YES.

Find more smoking cessation resources at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/supp_info/healthy-communities/smoking-cessation.html

On this episode, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez (CDPH Director of Mental Health Clinics) speaks with Donald “DJ” Watson (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Fables CEC) about themes surrounding men’s mental health. The conversation covers toxic masculinity, stereotypes vs. reality, cultural differences in masculinity, and how men can acknowledge personal challenges and ask for help.

DJ Watson can be reached for counseling and therapy services at FablesCEC.com.