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Flu, RSV, norovirus cases on rise in NJ

What to know about symptoms, risks

By: Lucas frau
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey

..... Flu season is here in New Jersey, but other illnesses are in full swing as well.
..... Cases of influenza increased during holiday gatherings and travel and have been on the rise since then. In the week ending January 4, [2025] flu patients made up 6% of people in New Jersey emergency rooms.
..... While the number of COVID diagnoses are down compared with this them last year, [2024] other illnesses such as the norovirus stomach bug, RSV and whopping cough saw an increase in cases in the last few weeks and months.
..... With all these ailments haunting New Jersey, doctors across the state recommend vaccination and basic hygiene to combat them, but another important step is being aware of the symptoms.
..... Here are some of the illnesses spreading in New Jersey and what to know about them.

Flu

..... Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory virus. It can be a severe illness that affects the nose, through and sometimes lungs.
..... Symptoms of influenza are sore throat, cough, congestion, headaches and body aches. Fever is also a common symptom although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
..... Those infected with the flu are most contagious during the first three days, the CDC said. in some cases, however, people can spread the flu even before experiencing symptoms or up to five to seven days after they appear. young people and those with weaker immune systems can experience symptoms for a loner period.
..... The flu can spread through tiny droplets when patient sneeze, cough or talk. People can also come in contact with the flu by touching a surface with the virus on it, that is less common.
..... The CDC recommends frequent hand-washing and annual vaccinations to fight the ailment.

Norovirus

..... The U.S. is experiencing one of its worst norovirus season in a long time. Cases for the 2024-2025 season are reaching highs that surpass the range that has been typical since 2012.
..... Norovirus is a contagious stomach bug that the CDC says causes vomiting and diarrhea.
..... The sickness lasts for one to three days, but people can still spread the virus a few days after becoming ill. those infected can be contagious for up to two weeks, or longer in some cases.
..... Symptoms usually develop starting at 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. along with vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms include nausea, headache and body pains. Norovirus can often lead to dehydration.
..... Direct contact, eating contaminated food and touching contaminated surfaces are ways the virus spreads.
..... The CDC recommends staying home for two days after symptoms stop. Preventive steps include cooking food thoroughly, disinfecting areas and frequent hand-washing.

RSV

..... Respiratory Syncytial virus, or RSV, is another respiratory illness.
..... The CDC said the symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the flu or COVID. they include a cough, congestion, sneezing fever and loss of appetite, Symptoms typically show up within for to six days after infection, the CDC said.
..... The agency said the illness usually goes away on it sown and normally can be handled with over-the-counter medication.
..... RSV is usually contagious for three to eight days. A patient also may be contagious a day or two before experiencing symptoms, the CDC said. Infants and those with weakened immune systems, however, can pass on RSV for up to four weeks or longer.
..... The illness can spread through direct contact, touching a contaminated surface, or a cough or sneeze.
..... Elderly people, infants and those with underlying health conditions or weak immune systems may face higher risk, as RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, the CDC said.

COVID

..... COVID is familiar to most, having started about five years ago and caused a pandemic, killing millions around the world.
..... The symptoms can range from mild to severe and are similar to those of the flu, with the addition of a loss of taste or smell and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms may come tow to 14 days after exposure.
..... The main difference between COVID and the flu is that they are caused by different viruses. Nucleic acid amplification tests can help distinguish between the two types of respiratory illnesses.
..... Doctors recommend staying home and isolating for five days after testing positive for COVID.

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