The 2018 flu season started early and aggressively. The number of flu cases climbed quickly, and has far surpassed previous years. Things have reached the point that some hospitals have banned children under age 12 from visiting.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ announced their restrictions last week. The reason for barring children from visiting is that children are more susceptible to the flu, and may have contracted it without yet showing symptoms. During that period between contracting the flu and having symptoms emerge, you are still contagious. Visiting the hospital during that period will threaten the health of patients.
It goes without saying that anyone of any age who is feeling symptoms of the flu—fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or chills—should not visit hospitals. Ideally, if you are feeling fluey you should stay home to reduce the chances of spreading it around to others.
So far there have been more than 14,000 confirmed cases New Jersey, with about 3,600 new cases in the past week alone. Data released last week shows the number of flu cases in our state so far has surpassed the total number of cases last year.
It’s not all bad news
We may be in the last weak of peak flu season, according to Dr. Chris Freer, chairman of emergency medicine for Saint Barnabas Medical Center. As reported on nj.com, Freer said, “We’re not out of the woods, but hopefully we’re turning a corner.”
Data from the NJ Department of Health shows that last year the flu season peaked mid-February. Medical experts are hoping this year will be similar, and we’ll finally see an end to this long and brutal flu season.
In the meantime, take proper precautions to stay healthy and reduce the chances of spreading the virus. Wash your hands well and frequently. Cover your mouth when you cough. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
And take heart: it’s one month to spring, when the flu season typically ends.