Hospitals across South Jersey are bracing for an increase in respiratory illnesses as flu activity rises nationwide. Medical centers, including those operated by Virtua Health, are reporting a surge in emergency room visits linked to respiratory infections, particularly cases of influenza A. Alongside this, there is also a noticeable uptick in infections related to COVID-19 and RSV.
“We’re seeing many emergency room visits related to respiratory infections of all kinds. Certainly, flu is a major part of that,” stated Dr. Martin Topiel, chief of infection prevention at Virtua Health. The rising number of cases is not only affecting hospitals but also permeating communities and workplaces throughout the region.
“I work in a nursing home. There’s a lot of people who have been sick lately. A lot of flu,” said Alex Schmidt from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Schools are also feeling the impact of this seasonal surge. “Working at an elementary school in Haddonfield, it’s really impacted our elementary schools, with people traveling,” noted Amy Fanrak from Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Community Response to Rising Illness
As the cold and flu season peaks, many residents are taking additional precautions to prevent the spread of illness. “We’ve just been trying to stay away from folks, not in any restaurants or anything like that. We’ve also gotten the flu shot,” commented Molly Kaminski, who was with her infant daughter, Lucy.
Others are implementing various preventive measures in their daily lives. “I mask up, take my Vitamin C, try to stay active, because that helps too,” Schmidt added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New Jersey is among the states experiencing “very high” flu activity. Health professionals warn that with multiple viruses circulating, it can be challenging to determine which illness an individual may have based solely on symptoms. Many are opting for combination over-the-counter tests capable of detecting flu A, flu B, and COVID-19 simultaneously.
Dr. Topiel explained that while positive results from these tests are generally reliable, negative results should be interpreted cautiously. “The problem is if the tests are negative, it really doesn’t rule out COVID, it doesn’t rule out influenza,” he said. “It might mean there’s a low viral level, but it still might cause significant symptoms. Or it may just be we’re hitting it at the wrong time.”
Health Recommendations and Emergency Signs
Health experts strongly recommend that individuals experiencing symptoms that could easily spread to others should remain at home. “If you have fever, significant cough, a lot of mucus production, you’re really risking things of transmitting to others,” Dr. Topiel advised.
Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain are critical signs that necessitate a trip to the hospital. Additionally, individuals with a history of heart problems are encouraged to consult their doctors regarding their symptoms.
As the winter progresses, hospitals and healthcare providers will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring they are prepared for any further increases in respiratory illnesses and safeguarding community health.
