Chicago

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Serious crime in Chicago has been dropping over the last few years, and the areas covered here are all reasonably safe during the day. At night, the lakefront, major parks and certain neighborhoods (especially south and west of the Loop) can become lonely and forbidding places. The Loop, Near North, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View and Bucktown, on the other hand, are tolerably safe (and bustling) night and day. For those who like to know before they go, you can visit www.chicagocrime.org, the pet project of a Chicago computer programmer. The site breaks down crime by type and neighborhood, and probably shouldn’t be viewed by those who are on the fence about coming to the Windy City. (It’s safe! We swear!)

^ Back to top

While you're there

West Nile virus

These infections were unknown in the United States until a few years ago, but have now been reported in almost all 50 states. The virus is transmitted by culex mosquitoes, which are active in late summer and early fall and generally bite after dusk. Most infections are mild or asymptomatic, but the virus may infect the central nervous system, leading to fever, headache, confusion, lethargy, coma and sometimes death. There is no treatment for West Nile virus. For the latest update on the areas affected by West Nile, go to the website of the US Geological Survey (westnilemaps.usgs.gov/).

^ Back to top

Lyme disease

This disease has been reported from many states, but most documented cases occur in the northeastern part of the country. A smaller number of cases occur in the northern Midwest. Lyme disease is transmitted by deer ticks, which are only 1mm to 2mm long. Most cases occur in the late spring and summer. The CDC has an informative, if slightly scary, web page on Lyme disease at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/.

^ Back to top

HIV/AIDS

As with most parts of the world, HIV infection occurs throughout the United States. You should never assume, on the basis of someone’s background or appearance, that they’re free of this or any other sexually transmitted disease. Be sure to use a condom for all sexual encounters.

Insurance

The United States offers possibly the finest health care in the world. The problem is that unless you have good insurance, it can be prohibitively expensive. It’s essential you purchase travel health insurance if your regular policy doesn’t cover you when you’re abroad.

Bring any medications you may need in their original containers, clearly labeled. A signed, dated letter from your physician that describes all medical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea.

If your health insurance does not cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider supplemental insurance. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.

^ Back to top

Medical services

If you are ill or injured and suspect that the situation is in any way life threatening, call 911 immediately. This is a free call from any phone.

^ Back to top

Clinics & emergency rooms

The following hospitals offer medical services through their emergency rooms. If your condition is not acute, call first, because many also operate clinics that can see you in a more timely and convenient manner. None of their services come cheap, so make sure you have insurance. If you are broke and don’t have insurance, head to Stroger Cook County Hospital. If your problem is not life threatening, you will be seated in a waiting room where you will do just that, sit, for perhaps 12 hours while you’re surrounded by people sicker than yourself.

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (773-975-1600; 836 W Wellington Ave; Brown, Purple Line to Wellington)

Children’s Memorial Hospital (773-880-4000; 2300 N Lincoln Ave; Red, Brown, Purple Line to Fullerton)

Northwestern Memorial Hospital (312-926-5188; 251 E Erie St; Red Line to Chicago)

Stroger Cook County Hospital (312-864-6000; 1900 W Polk St; Blue Line to Medical Center)

University of Chicago Hospital (773-702-1000; 5841 S Maryland Ave; Metra to 55th-56th-57th)

^ Back to top

Pharmacies

Walgreens pharmacies are convenient places to get your prescriptions filled. The following branches are open 24 hours:

Walgreens (312-664-8686; 757 N Michigan Ave; Red Line to Chicago)

Walgreens (312-587-1416; 641 N Clark St; Red Line to Grand)

^ Back to top