Flu hits peak later than usual in New Jersey

Flu activity is peaking later than in previous years

Flu activity is peaking later than in previous years

Recent warm days may have you thinking winter’s over, but moderate to high numbers of flulike cases are now being reported throughout New Jersey.

Flu activity is peaking later than in previous years, said Dr. Tina Tan, state epidemiologist.

“We’ve had a milder winter so perhaps people being outside and not in close confined areas where you would increase the possibility for transmission,” she said. “We also have a really effective flu vaccine this year so that might also be a reason.”

Getting the vaccine reduces the risk of having to go to a doctor because of flu by nearly 60 percent, Tan said.

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If you think you might be coming down with the flu, she said, an early diagnosis from your health care provider can be beneficial.

“There are some really good antiviral medications than can be given to them by their doctors that can help reduce the severity of the illness and shorten the illness course,” Tan said.

The flu season is expected to continue for another month or so.

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