New Jersey Faces an Unusually Early and Intense Flu Wave as Illness Spreads Rapidly

New Jersey is having one of its worst flu seasons, with cases rising earlier and faster than expected, according to federal data. Health experts fear the state’s worst flu season may continue despite holiday break.

Federal health officials say New Jersey has the most flu cases. South Carolina, Louisiana, New York, and Colorado have “very high” influenza spread. The percentage of outpatient flu-like visits estimates viral prevalence.

Annually, US flu viruses peak in December and February. Jersey worries about this season’s early and big spike in numbers. The state peaked last flu season in early February. This year, cases rose before December, indicating a faster outbreak.

For the week ending December 20, New Jersey had over 11,000 flu cases. Public health officials expect viral spread to increase after the holidays as people return to work, school, and travel. National virus-related hospitalizations nearly increased in a week.

More Americans died from the flu this season. According to federal figures, numerous flu-related deaths occurred this season. Children and other vulnerable groups are at risk from the virus’s unusual but rising fatality.

Influenza A is the most common virus this season, say scientists. Disease may spread swiftly and devastate. This virus’s surface protein changed, making it tougher to detect by the immune system. These changes may explain the nationwide hospital admission increase.

Despite these developments, worldwide and federal health officials believe the strain does not raise acute illness. Officials believe basic preventive care and immunizations benefit seniors, children, and those with health challenges.

The best flu defense is vaccination. Health experts recommend annual flu shots for six-month-olds and older. Immunization reduces sickness, hospitalization, and death even without preventing infection.

Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, nasal congestion, body aches, headaches, and exhaustion. In community outbreaks like New Jersey, doctors advise anyone with serious symptoms to get medical attention promptly.

Health experts urge caution, cleanliness, staying home when unwell, and being immunized if they haven’t already this season. Early detection and prevention may help state-wide families, hospitals, and communities during flu season.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)