New Jersey is moving through early December with more people feeling under the weather. Coughs, fevers and lingering congestion are common right now, and the state’s most recent surveillance report helps explain why. The data covers the week ending November 29, which is the latest available, and it shows several respiratory viruses rising at the same time.
Flu activity picked up earlier than usual this year. By the end of November, the state recorded 2,032 confirmed flu cases. At this point last season, New Jersey had only 542. In 2023, the total was 1,086. Hospitals have noticed the shift as well. Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health reinstated masking in certain settings after seeing more respiratory illnesses in their networks.
The Week 48 report shows clear increases across multiple viruses. Flu test positivity rose, and RSV followed the same pattern. Human metapneumovirus also increased. Rhinovirus and enterovirus remained especially active with a positivity rate of 24.9 percent, the highest of any virus New Jersey tracks. With several viruses circulating at once, it is not surprising that many residents say their symptoms feel stronger or last longer than a standard cold.
Emergency departments saw more serious cases as November closed out. Admissions tied to influenza, COVID 19 and RSV all increased during Week 48. Adults 65 and older accounted for most of the admissions tied to both flu and COVID 19. RSV placed more of the burden on young children, especially those between 0 and 4 years old.
Outbreak data reflects the same pattern. Long term care facilities reported clusters mostly linked to COVID 19, while schools reported more outbreaks tied to influenza. The state also confirmed that the dominant COVID 19 variant in circulation is XFG, an Omicron subvariant covered by current vaccines.
One detail in the report stands out. Wastewater readings for COVID 19, influenza A and RSV remain very low even as diagnosed cases increase. That difference suggests the current rise is coming from people who are testing or seeking care rather than widespread undetected transmission.
State health officials continue to recommend basic precautions as viral activity builds in early December. Staying home when sick, masking when visiting someone vulnerable and keeping up with flu and COVID 19 vaccinations remain the most effective steps. With flu gaining speed, RSV increasing and rhinovirus still driving many of the season’s symptoms, New Jersey enters mid December with several viruses shaping daily life.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.