New Jersey’s hospitalizations from three major respiratory viruses are climbing again, marking the state’s strongest uptick in weeks, according to new statewide data.

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

New Jersey’s hospitalizations from three major respiratory viruses are climbing again, marking the state’s strongest uptick in weeks, according to new statewide data.

COVID-19, influenza, and RSV admissions all increased during the week ending Nov. 8, the New Jersey Department of Health said.

While emergency room visits remain low, the newest data shows a clearer rise than in the prior reporting periods, with influenza showing the most noticeable shift. 

State officials also report rising test positivity for COVID-19 and RSV compared to the weeks ending Nov. 1, and Oct. 25. Wastewater levels for all three viruses remain very low, signaling that these increases are appearing in hospitals before wider community spread.

COVID-19

COVID-19 hospitalizations increased again during the week ending Nov. 8, 2025, led by adults 65 and older, according to state data. COVID-19 test positivity rose to 2.9 percent, up from 1.6 percent during the week ending Nov. 1, 2025, and 1.9 percent during the week ending Oct. 25, 2025.

Emergency room visits for COVID-19 remain low, but hospital admissions continue to trend upward compared to the prior two reports. The predominant strain remains XFG, an Omicron subvariant covered by current vaccines. Wastewater activity for COVID-19 stays very low, similar to earlier weeks, indicating the rise in hospitalizations is not yet tied to broad community spread.

COVID-19 also continues to account for most respiratory outbreaks in long-term care facilities, a consistent trend across all three reporting periods.

Influenza

Influenza showed the sharpest increase this week. Flu test positivity climbed to 0.7 percent, up from 0.0 percent during the week ending Nov. 1, and 0.2 percent during the week ending Oct. 25.

Hospitalizations tied to influenza also rose, with most admissions occurring in people 65 and older, similar to previous weeks but now increasing more clearly. While other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus/enterovirus and parainfluenza remain elevated, influenza stands out as the clearest week-to-week mover — signaling the early start of New Jersey’s flu season after two quieter reports.

RSV

RSV-related hospitalizations increased again during the week ending Nov. 8, especially among children ages 0 to 4 and adults 65 and older. RSV test positivity reached 0.2 percent, compared to 0.3 percent during the week ending Nov. 1, and 0.3 percent during the week ending Oct. 25.

Both previous reports highlighted rising RSV admissions in young children, and the Nov. 8 data continues that pattern with slightly higher numbers than earlier in the fall. Wastewater activity for RSV remains very low across all three periods, indicating early-season hospital increases occurring before widespread community detection.

Statewide Trend: Hospitalizations Up Across All Three Viruses

Across COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, New Jersey recorded more hospital admissions during the week ending Nov. 8 than in either of the two prior weeks. Emergency department visits remain low, but the climbs in hospitalizations signal the state is entering the more active stretch of respiratory illness season.

School absenteeism tied to COVID-19 and influenza remains low across all periods, and K–12 outbreaks remain sporadic. Long-term care facilities continue to report the highest number of outbreaks, driven mainly by COVID-19.

Health officials urge residents — especially seniors, young children, and those with chronic conditions — to stay alert as respiratory activity increases heading into late fall.