The highest number of hospitalizations in a decade due to flu was just reported by the CDC, and health officials are reminding people to take precautions as New Year and holiday gatherings bring people close together.
As of December there has been at least 56,000 cases of the flu in New Jersey according to health officials.
Across the country the numbers are far higher, with 4,500 flu-related deaths and 78,000 hospitalizations according to the CDC.
Less than a week ago the Garden State confirmed its first flu-related death of an infant under 12 months old.