The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services reports no new confirmed cases of H1N1 flu New Jersey residents today (May 4).

There are also no new probable cases of H1N1 flu.

Currently, there are 7 confirmed cases and one probable case of H1N1 flu in New Jersey.

The next case update will occur tomorrow about 4 p.m.

In the United States, there are 286 confirmed cases in 36 states being reported by the CDC today.

“The fact that we have not seen an increase in confirmed or probable cases over the last few days is good news but we are not out of the woods yet,” said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard. “New Jersey residents need to stay informed and maintain good hygiene habits. The Department will continue to monitor the disease and how it is spreading as we continue to coordinate with federal, state and local health care partners.”

The illness is spread when a symptomatic person coughs sneezes or has other contact with a well person.

Commissioner Howard continues to urge all New Jersey residents to take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. These include:

•          Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly

•          Covering coughs and sneezes

•          Staying home from work or school if you are sick

The Department has opened up a 24-hour toll-free information line for both the general public and healthcare providers. This number is 1-866-321-9571. Since opening Wednesday, the center has received nearly 2,600 calls.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine influenza, but human infections can and do happen.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been associated with swine flu in people, especially in Mexico for reasons that are not known. Like seasonal flu, swine flu might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

For more information on H1N1 Influenza, visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.nj.gov/health.