Most of us can recall being sick with the seasonal flu. Although it may seem like a minor annoyance to many, seasonal flu (or “influenza”) is a serious illness that can have dangerous complications resulting in an average of 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations each year.

Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by the influenza virus, which infects the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). The seasonal flu usually spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks and the virus is sent into the air. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the seasonal flu causes severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people.

For more information on the seasonal flu, follow the links listed below or in the box to the right:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Influenza Page
• Flu Activity Reports-U.S.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• Influenza Page

New Jersey Department of Health (NJDH)

• Influenza Page
• Flu Activity Reports-New Jersey

The Division also conducts an Active Seasonal Flu Surveillance Program to monitor school and worksite absences at a number of locations throughout the county. These efforts help to track seasonal flu outbreaks and keep county residents healthy all year long.

Communicable Disease Control– Information and services from the Atlantic County Division of Public Health.