Flu season has arrived early in New Jersey. According to experts, spikes in cases are leading to crowded hospitals and urgent care centers.

The main culprit is Type-A Flu, according to Dr. Swapnil Patel, an emergency room physician at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

“Pretty severe, leading to a lot of patients being hospitalized, but also a lot of common illnesses causing a lot of urgent care and office visits as well. There definitely is a surge, and we are seeing a lot at the moment,” said Dr. Patel.

A weekly updated chart from the New Jersey Department of Health shows the early spike a few weeks ahead of last year’s winter surge. Cases of RSV and COVID-19 have seen slight upticks, but nothing to the extent of this season’s flu.

Doctors about 98% of patients who are admitted to the ER and then hospitalized have not taken this year’s flu vaccine.

“It would be more concerning if you had any underlying conditions that would lead you to be more susceptible to respiratory tract infections that are severe,” said Dr. Patel.

He says don’t cancel Christmas – just be smart and safe and use common sense to protect you and others.

“You’re going to be gathering, meeting with your family. If you’re sick. I know it’s tough, but stay home. Practice good hygiene and make sure everyone around you is safe.”

Because so many of these viruses show similar symptoms, Dr. Patel recommends self-testing at home.

“There are treatments for certain things like flu and COVID you can consider if it’s right for you,” he said.