Flu Cases Skyrocket In NJ: Find Out Where

Chances are you know somebody in New Jersey who will get the flu this year. You yourself could also be at risk yourself. The number of flu cases in New Jersey have more than doubled this season, jumping from 1,507 in 2016-17 to 3,189 in 2017-18. Some counties, such as Cape May and Warren, have seen dramatic increases in flu cases from last year (see list below).

The data is based on state Department of Health laboratory specimens dating back to the beginning of the flu season, which officials say was Oct. 7, 2017. One person died from the illness, according to the department.

The especially bad season is attributed to infections from a flu strain known as H3N2. It responds poorly to vaccinations and is particularly dangerous to young children and older adults over the age of 65.

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that this coast-to-coast outbreak is the first one this widespread since the agency started keeping track," said Rebecca Smith, a spokeswoman for Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.

"With the number of flu cases growing in New Jersey, many are calling this year’s flu season one of the worst the state has ever seen," she added. "In fact, this year’s predominant flu strain, H3N2, is one of the most severe strains of the flu virus."

Here are the New Jersey counties most and least affected by the flu virus, including percentage increase over last year:

• Cape May 53 5,200%
• Warren 57 850%
• Somerset 70 438%
• Sussex 42 320%
• Mercer 117 317%
• Hunterdon 96 300%
• Burlington 138 263%
• Essex 195 242%
• Middlesex 139 215%
• Atlantic 168 180%
• Cumberland 8 166%
• Monmouth 451 146%
• Gloucester 74 111%
• Ocean 312 110%
• Camden 279 102%
• Hudson 194 86%
• Morris 152 85%
• Bergen 447 26%
• Union 110 11%
• Passaic 83 7%
• Salem 4 0%

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, body aches, headaches and fatigue. The flu virus is spread through the air, from coughing and sneezing, or by touching something that someone with the virus has touched.

You can pass the flu to someone else both before and while you are sick. Adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and as many as five to seven days after becoming ill, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Some people, especially young children and those with weakened immune systems, may be able to infect others for an even longer time.

To treat the flu, use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup to relieve symptoms. Rest in bed and drink lots of fluids. If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, you may be able to take an antiviral drug that will reduce the severity of symptoms and the length of illness.

Here are some additional tips:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face — your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid others who are sick.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue.

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