Flu mask Hunterdon Medical Center
Employee Veronica Lopes shows a mask to a visitor at Hunterdon Medical Center in this file photo. With high activity through much of the state, the hospital has implemented restrictions intended to reduce the spread of the flu. (Renee Kiriluk-Hill | Hunterdon County Democrat)
(Hunterdon County Democrat)
Within two weeks health officials in New Jersey went from seeing "almost nothing" to a flu season that's "really running now."
Four of five regions statewide are showing "high" flu activity, coloring a map of New Jersey red north of Burlington County. South Jersey is showing "moderate" flu outbreaks, according to the state Department of Health.
Some hospitals have implemented visitation restrictions because of the flu, including Hunterdon Medical Center, which isn't allowing children to visit patients.
Tadhgh Rainey, head of the Hunterdon County Division of Public Health Services, described the map's quick transition to red as proof of how easy it is to catch the flu.
Most people have heard by now that this year's influenza strain doesn't match the one in the flu vaccine. Rainey's worry is that this mismatch is keeping people from getting the vaccine, or will reduce vaccination rates next year.
Either way, he said it's a mistake. "If at all possible, get the vaccine," he said. "It still offers some value, even if it's not as much protection as you'd like."
At flu season's end, which is usually late spring, he predicts that historic trends will hold and show that those who were vaccinated had "immunity to some degree, even if the vaccine wasn't a great match. Your symptoms won't be as severe, and that could mean the difference between dying and not dying."
The number of deaths attributed to influenza ranged over a 10-year span from "about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people," according to the federal Centers for Disease Control.
It's tough to pin down numbers, officials say, because states aren't required to report flu deaths in adults and, even when they do, it may have caused another complication, or aggravated an existing condition.
The flu strain circulating this season is "a little more aggressive than last year," and is heaping "a lot of misery" on sufferers, said Rainey, echoing what health officials are saying in other areas.
Rainey said local school districts are seeing flu cases, but there's not pattern to where it's appearing.
"The flu is so easily transmitted, air-borne viruses are so transmissible, don't think for a second that it can't happen to you," Rainey warned. "The vaccine so rarely has a side effect. It's only $20 and most people are covered by their insurance plans because companies have figured out it's worth their while to pay for the vaccine, even in a year when it's not a great vaccine."
His division sends these tips to reduce the spread of the flu:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick to reduce the spread of the disease.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Washing your hands often.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
- Get plenty of sleep, stay physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
Renee Kiriluk-Hill may be reached at rkhill@hcdemocrat.com. Follow her on Twitter @ReneKirilukHill. Find The Hunterdon County Democrat on Facebook.