The flu is spreading across New Jersey earlier and more aggressively than in the past two seasons, according to state and federal health data, with hospitals reporting a sharp rise in cases and admissions — including several severe cases in the Lakewood area.
Multiple Lakewood-area residents, including children, are currently hospitalized with serious flu-related illness.
Statewide, New Jersey is one of five states experiencing “very high” levels of flu activity, along with New York, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Colorado, according to the CDC. The classification is based on the proportion of outpatient visits for flu-like illness. Health officials say the dominant strain circulating this season is Influenza A.
Other respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, RSV and adenovirus, are also present in New Jersey, but the Department of Health reports they are not appearing at rates comparable to the flu.
Flu activity typically peaks between December and February. Last season, New Jersey’s peak occurred during the first week of February, when more than 14,000 cases were recorded. This year, however, the surge appears to be arriving weeks earlier.
For the week ending Dec. 20, New Jersey reported 11,472 flu cases, up sharply from 6,940 cases the previous week. By comparison, similar levels were not seen until late January last season. Health officials anticipate further increases once data from the holiday period, which includes extensive indoor gatherings, is fully incorporated.
Hospitals are also seeing growing strain. About 8% of emergency department visits statewide are now due to the flu. During the week ending Dec. 20, approximately 500 patients were hospitalized for flu, COVID-19 and RSV combined, with most admissions attributed to influenza. During the same week last year, the total was about 150.
While most flu-related hospitalizations involve adults age 65 and older, state data shows children are also becoming seriously ill. New Jersey has recorded 31 severe pediatric flu cases so far this season. Last year, the state reported 149 severe pediatric cases and five pediatric flu deaths.
The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older.