The County of Cape May Department of Health is reporting 22 new positive cases among County residents. Currently, 1229 County residents are now off quarantine.  Sadly, today we are announcing the passing of a 69-year-old male from Upper Township, “I’d like to offer my prayers and condolences to the family,” said Freeholder Jeff Pierson. 

Total positive cases of COVID-19 infection in Cape May County is now 1720 including 95 deaths.  

Cape May County Health Department officials are urging residents to get a flu shot this season. Although there is no vaccination for the COVID-19 coronavirus yet, there is one for the seasonal influenza. Doctors with Marin County Public Health are working to prevent a local "twindemic" of COVID-19 and regular flu cases by urging everyone to take necessary precautions and get vaccinated.

"Every flu season, intensive care units are substantially impacted by people seriously ill with influenza," said Kevin Thomas, Health Officer. "I urge you to get a flu shot to reduce the chances of influenza crossing paths with COVID-19. Managing surges in both illnesses would over-burden an already taxed healthcare system."

Flu season typically occurs between October and May, while activity usually increases in late November through early March in New Jersey. It takes a couple of weeks after a flu shot for the body to build an immunity, which is why now through early November is a critical period for seasonal flu vaccinations.

New Jersey Department of Health tracks flu activity by analyzing laboratory testing data and visits to local emergency departments for flu-like illness. The team produces a monthly influenza surveillance report that summarizes local activity and has links to statewide and national flu activity.

It is important that school age children be up-to-date on immunizations. Cape May County Department of Health regularly communicates with schools and parents of school-aged children about keeping students current with immunizations, which are required for school attendance. 

"Your child's annual flu shot visit is the perfect time to catch up on other required vaccinations," said Freeholder Jeff Pierson. "This is not the year to skip or delay immunizations."

The seasonal flu and COVID-19 can exhibit some of the same symptoms, including fever, cough, body aches, and chills. Besides getting immunized, residents should take the following preventive actions to stop the spread of germs:

• Wear a face covering.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Stay home when you or your child are sick for at least 24 hours after symptoms go away.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• When handwashing isn't an option, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or, if one isn't available, into your elbow.
• Use hand sanitizer or wash hands after coughing or sneezing.

Most medical insurance covers free flu shots as a preventive service at doctor's offices and most retail pharmacies (e.g.C VS, RiteAid, Walgreens). 

Stay up to date on the current situation as it evolves. Some reliable sources are New Jersey Poison Information and Education System Hotline at 211 or 1-800-962-1253, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov, World Health Organization at www.who.int, New Jersey Department of Health at COVID19.nj.gov. For additional information visit Cape May County Department of Health at www.cmchealth.net and also like us on Facebook.