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New Jersey’s respiratory illness and stomach bug season appears to be in full swing, as rates of the flu, RSV, COVID and norovirus have climbed in the last few weeks and will likely increase after holiday gatherings and travel.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified New Jersey as high for respiratory diseases and the New York City metropolitan area as very high.
The rate of positive tests for flu and RSV — respiratory syncytial virus, which can produce everything from cold-like symptoms to more serious lung ailments — has increased significantly in recent weeks after a more normal seasonal pattern typically seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Experts say it’s too early to tell how formidable the season will be, since it often extends well into the next year. Emergency room visits have gone up in recent weeks. But 67 of 70 hospitals in New Jersey were at normal operations Wednesday morning, with only three diverting ambulances away due to high patient volume.
Rates of norovirus, or stomach virus, rising
The rate of norovirus — the bug often referred to as the stomach virus — has increased nationally in the last several weeks, forcing more people to run to the toilet but at levels that appear to be following its seasonal pattern.
Flu rates highest in densely populated NJ counties
Flu rates in New Jersey were high in the most densely populated regions, including Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties, along with Union, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean, according to the latest Health Department data.
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The rest of the state was seeing moderate spread. It’s a stark contrast from last year, when the flu season began early, in October, and most of New Jersey began seeing high rates in mid-November.
Three years ago, flu rates were extremely low, as schools remained closed and most New Jersey residents still practiced social isolation.
Leading COVID variant is JN.1
The state has been seeing at least 17 COVID variants spreading throughout the state in the last two months. Almost all are subvariants of the omicron variant that spread like wildfire in late 2021. The leading variant — JN.1 — accounted for 57% of cases in the past two weeks, CDC data showed.
COVID rates are low from the northern half of the state down to Ocean County, with fewer than 10 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents. South Jersey is seeing a medium spread, with 10 to 20 admissions per 100,000 residents, according to the latest data from the state Health Department.
COVID hospitalizations doubled in December
COVID hospitalizations have doubled since late November and were at 969 statewide on Tuesday, with 66 of 70 hospitals reporting. Despite the rise, the number is still lower than the 1,427 seen last year on the same date and 3,712 on Dec. 26, 2021.
Only 33 COVID patients were on ventilators as of Tuesday, and 114 were in intensive care — more than double the number from a month earlier but 54 fewer than on the same day last year.
Dr. Debi Johnson is a medical expert and health journalist dedicated to promoting well-being. With a background in medicine, she offers evidence-based insights into health trends and wellness practices. Beyond her reporting, Dr. Debi enjoys hiking, yoga, and empowering others to lead healthier lives.
