NJ Flu Cases Spike To 'Very High' Levels Ahead Of Previous 2 Year Trend

Even before the holiday break is complete, New Jersey is already seeing a sharp spike in influenza rates.

As of the week ending Dec. 20, New Jersey reported 11,472 influenza cases, according to the New Jersey Department of Health(NJDOH). This is a jump from the previous week of 6,940 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified flu activity as "very high" in New Jersey, according to the most recent data from that agency.

The sheer number of New Jersey flu cases is significantly higher and has occurred earlier than in the previous two years, when typically cases spike after the holidays.

Last flu season, New Jersey didn't see a spike in cases until Feb. 1, when 14,314 cases were reported. These cases are even higher than in the 2023-24 flu season, when the highest number of flu cases, 8,365, was reported on Dec. 30, 2023.

Emergency Room Visits Associated With The Flu

"Emergency department visits and admissions continue to rise for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, with influenza showing the sharpest increase," according to the NJDOH.

Hospitalizations in New Jersey with a respiratory illness have increased 8 percent from Dec. 6 to Dec. 20, according to the NJDOH.

Close to 500 emergency department visits with respiratory illness were reported as of Dec. 20, with the majority associated with influenza.

The majority of emergency department visits that resulted in admissions associated with influenza have been reported in those 65 years and older.

With cases already spiking in New Jersey, it is likely to continue trending in an upward fashion.

Flu Impacts In Schools

Even before winter break, data tracking COVID-19, influenza, and RSV outbreaks and absenteeism in school settings, including in childcare and early elementary care facilities, showed a spike associated with the flu.

Close to 50 flu outbreaks were reported by K through 12 schools in December compared to fewer than 10 in November.

Additionally, schools began seeing an increase in absenteeism on Dec. 6, with almost 0.10 percent. This jumped to around 0.35 percent student absenteeism during the week of Dec. 20.

Looking at the pediatric influenza deaths and severe cases for the 2025-2026 flu season, there have been 0 deaths in New Jersey and 31 severe cases.

This is in comparison to the five deaths and 149 cases during the 2024-2025 flu season and two deaths and 100 cases during the 2023-2024 flu season.

What To Do If You Have The Flu

Most people who contract the flu typically get over it within a week or two with no long-lasting effects. Typical symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children).

Some patients may consult with a doctor to get medications like Tamiflu, or will combat symptoms with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol.

However, it’s important to know when flu symptoms prompt emergency medical care, according to the CDC. See the list of warning signs that require emergency care:

In Children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine
• In children younger than 12 weeks, any fever
• Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

In Adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, and inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
• Worsening of chronic medical conditions

— With reporting by Jack Slocum