Flu Cases Nearly Double In NJ As Season Arrives Early, State Data Shows

Flu cases in New Jersey nearly doubled in one week, and the virus is spreading faster than it was at this time last year, according to the latest state data.

The state recorded 2,508 flu cases during the week ending Oct. 31, up from 1,283 the week before, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Of the latest cases, 2,047 were confirmed by PCR tests and 461 by rapid antigen tests.

“Seasonal influenza activity continues to rise and is currently higher than levels observed at this time last year,” the health department said in its weekly respiratory illness update.

Flu case counts, emergency room visits, doctor’s office visits and the share of positive flu tests are all still going up, the department said. Flu hospitalizations are also rising, with adults 65 and older hit hardest.

Children and teens ages 5 to 18 accounted for 755 flu cases that week, the most of any age group. Another 366 cases were in children 4 and younger.

Together, people 18 and younger made up nearly 45 percent of the state’s flu cases for the week.

Flu cases by age group for the week ending Oct. 31:

• Ages 0-4: 366

• Ages 5-18: 755

• Ages 25-49: 478

• Ages 50-64: 350

• Ages 65 and older: 449

Schools are feeling it too. The state reported 14 flu outbreaks in schools during the same week. The health department said recent outbreaks reported in schools were all due to flu.

Flu isn’t the only virus going around.

The state reported 1,389 COVID-19 cases for the week ending Oct. 31. Of those, 715 were confirmed by PCR tests and 674 by antigen tests.

COVID-related ER visits and hospital admissions went up from the week before, and most COVID hospitalizations continue to be among people 65 and older, according to the health department. COVID levels in wastewater are moderate.

RSV activity remains low, but RSV hospital admissions rose from the previous week. Most RSV hospitalizations are among children 4 and younger, the department said.

Recent outbreaks in long-term care facilities were linked to both COVID and flu. Test positivity also remains high for parainfluenza and rhinovirus/enterovirus, viruses that can cause cold-like illness.

New Jersey’s rise matches an early flu season across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there have been at least 1.7 million flu illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations and 1,400 deaths nationwide so far this season.

The CDC expects flu hospital admissions and ER visits to keep climbing through the week ending Nov. 21, just ahead of Thanksgiving.

The state health department recommends a flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. It also recommends the updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older this season, even though the CDC no longer makes a universal COVID recommendation.

Flu and COVID shots can be given at the same visit. People who qualify can get their RSV shot then too.

“It’s important to get updated vaccines for COVID-19 and flu each year, because they’re designed to protect you from the strains of the virus expected to be circulating in the fall and winter,” Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services Dr. Novneet Sahu said in a September release. “That gives you the best chance to protect yourself from getting seriously ill and missing out on work, school, social events, and holiday gatherings.”

Health Commissioner Raynard Washington put it more simply in October.

“Getting a flu shot takes just a few minutes, and it’s one of the simplest things any of us can do to protect ourselves,” Washington said.

The state says adults 65 and older should get a high-dose flu vaccine when possible.

Where to get a shot:

• Doctor’s offices

• Pharmacies (pharmacists can give COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 3 and older without a prescription under a state standing order)

• Community health centers

• Local health departments

Most health insurance plans cover recommended vaccines. Children 18 and younger may qualify for free shots through the Vaccines for Children program. Uninsured adults can check with their local health department or a federally qualified health center for low-cost options.

The CDC says to seek emergency care right away for warning signs such as trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, severe dehydration, seizures, or a fever or cough that gets better and then comes back worse.

In children, the CDC also lists bluish lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, a fever above 104 degrees, and not being alert or interacting when awake.

More information on respiratory viruses is available on the state health department’s website.

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