UPDATE: COVID-19 has proven to be far deadlier than seasonal flu in New Jersey. As of May 8, there have been 8,952 deaths from COVID-19. In 2017, there were 1,337 deaths attributed to the flu and pneumonia in New Jersey, according to the CDC.

While New Jersey health officials have been focused on containing the spread of coronavirus following the state's first cases this week, other respiratory diseases have been making their way like wildfire this year through the Garden State, killing hundreds and hospitalizing thousands — but getting far less attention.

Influenza and pneumonia have claimed 1,091 lives in New Jersey from October through Feb. 15, according to the latest data available from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

And with two months of flu season left to go, the disease remains a serious threat, especially to children and older adults. Two children have died out of 51 severe cases thus far in New Jersey.

"I wish flu season would receive the same urgency and concern from the public," said Dr. Patricia Whitley-Williams, an infectious disease specialist at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

"Don't get me wrong, coronavirus deserves our immediate attention," she said. "But we're still in the midst of flu season and millions are affected nationwide."

Coronovirus and influenza are caused by two different viruses, but the symptoms are similar: fever, cough, body aches, fatigue.

Both spread from person to person through droplets from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.

The similarities end there, health officials say.

Coronavirus does not transmit as efficiently as influenza.

People infected with influenza but are not yet sick are major drivers of transmission. That doesn't appear to be the case for coronavirus.

Coronavirus also appears to be more deadly.

The death rate globally for the coronavirus increased this week to 3.4%, up from the previous estimate of about 2%, according to the World Health Organization. The seasonal flu's death rate in the U.S. is about 0.1%

More people have built up immunity to seasonal flu strains. About 40% of adults and 60% of children get annual flu vaccinations.

Coronavirus is a new virus, so no one has immunity.

"That means more people are susceptible to infection, and some will suffer severe disease," Tedros Adhanom, the head of the World Health Organization, said this week.

And there is no coronavirus vaccine, though efforts are underway to develop one.

Restrictions for certain people were put into place earlier this year at area hospitals to protect vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. Englewood Hospital, The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck are barring children under 14 from visiting all or parts of their facilities.

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But the flu is estimated to have infected 32 million Americans this season, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths from October through Feb. 22, according to the CDC.

“It bears repeating, this is cold and flu season and residents with respiratory ailments are more likely to be suffering from a cold and flu than coronavirus," said Acting Gov. Sheila Oliver at a news conference Thursday afternoon announcing a second coronavirus case in New Jersey.

New Jersey health officials have reported high levels of flu for weeks. There were more early cases than last season. The two deceased children died in October and December, respectively.

"It's been a very aggressive season," Whitley-Williams said.

Whitley-Williams hopes the increased attention on infectious diseases will help promote everything from better hygiene to the benefit of flu vaccines.

"This is a really great opportunity to have focused attention on things like washing hands, purchasing hand sanitizers, wiping down the trays on an airplane, making sure someone stays home when they're constantly coughing and sneezing," she said.

Flu's impact New Jersey children

2013-2014: 54 severe cases, 6 deaths

2014-2015: 33 severe cases, 1 death

2015-2016: 47 severe cases, 1 death

2016-2017: 39 severe cases, 0 deaths

2017-2018: 61 severe cases, 5 deaths

2018-2019: 51 severe cases, 6 deaths

2019-2020: 51severe cases, 2 deaths

Source: NJ Department of Health

Staff Writer Lindy Washburn contributed to this story.

Scott Fallon covers the environment for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news about how New Jersey’s environment affects your health and well-being, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: fallon@northjersey.com Twitter: @newsfallon