A triple threat of respiratory illnesses is sending high numbers of children to the hospital, and the New Jersey Hospital Association is urging all New Jerseyans to take added precautions to protect themselves and their families.
Daily tracking of pediatric cases by NJHA provides a snapshot of the heightened levels of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory synctial virus (RSV) and their impact on a healthcare system that is entering its third winter under a public health emergency. Among its tracking, NJHA reports that:
- Among currently active respiratory illnesses, influenza accounts for the highest number of emergency department visits, while RSV is responsible for the highest number of hospitalizations.
- Other active respiratory illnesses impacting children include enterovirus and rhinovirus.
- Emergency department visits for children with respiratory illness reached new heights in the days following Thanksgiving at nearly 950.
- About 70 percent of New Jersey’s general pediatric beds have been filled throughout November.
The surge in pediatric cases comes amid exceptionally high flu activity across the country. In a flu season that spans October to April, New Jersey has already reached “very high” levels, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nationwide, there have been 78,000 flu-related hospitalizations and 14 pediatric deaths through Dec. 2.
“The winter of 2022-23 is shaping up to be another season of high intensity that will test the healthcare system’s capacity and resiliency,” said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. “We urge New Jerseyans to protect themselves with a flu shot, the updated COVID booster and all those tried-and-true precautions like hand-washing, staying home if you’re sick and being mindful while gathering in large groups over the holidays.”
Additional snapshot data on pediatric respiratory illness can be found in a bulletin from NJHA’s Center for Health Analytics, Research and Transformation.
