Flu

Flu activity has gotten so serious the head of the New Jersey Health Department is making a direct appeal to New Jerseyans to get vaccinated if they haven’t already done so.

New Jersey has had 21,831 confirmed influenza cases since the beginning of October, compared to 9,969 confirmed influenza cases last year at this time.

The number of confirmed flu cases in the Garden State rose from 17,962 last week to 20,478 this week, an increase of slightly more than 14%, according to a new report by the state Health Department.

According to the federal data, vaccination rates among employees registered below 60% last flu season at Inspira Health Network's three hospitals in Elmer, Vineland and Woodbury.

“Looking at what we’re seeing with emergency department visits and admissions, we’re still seeing extremely high levels across New Jersey in comparison with previous flu seasons,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Tina Tan.

The Elizabeth girl is the third person to be confirmed with a fatal case of the flu as the number dead grows again.

Authorities still have not confirmed whether the girl's death was a direct result of the flu.

Flu is everywhere right now. But what about your pets?

Flu activity remains high in every corner of the state, as more than 3,500 additional cases are confirmed throughout New Jersey in just the past week.

New Jersey has officially reported just one influenza-related death this season, but the Garden State has not been totally immune to the most pronounced flu outbreak in the United States in close to a decade.