This winter, flu-related deaths have been on the rise in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, there have been 126 flu-related deaths since September of last year through the first week of February. Notably, 112 of these deaths occurred since January, with an average of 15 to 25 deaths reported each week. The situation has prompted growing concern among health officials, as the number of flu infections continues to climb.
In the first week of February alone, 12,158 flu infections were reported, which is 3,410 more than the same period last year. The number of patients seeking care in hospital emergency rooms or being hospitalized due to influenza has also surged compared to the previous year. Additionally, school absences due to the flu have spiked sharply since January, further underscoring the impact of the virus.
Greg Sorkin, the chief of emergency medicine at Newbridge Medical Centre in Paramus, expressed concern, stating, “This winter’s influenza situation is the worst it has been in the past 15 years.” The severity of the flu season has overwhelmed many healthcare facilities and raised alarms across the state.
In addition to the flu, deaths from COVID-19 infections remain significant. According to the state Department of Health, 90 people died from COVID-19 between January and early February, highlighting the ongoing health challenges New Jersey is facing during this winter season.