Flu cases spread, no end in sight yet.

By Bob Groves, The Record, Hackensack, N.J. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jan. 26--The flu season has not hit its peak this year, but influenza is already widespread in New Jersey and much of the East, officials said Tuesday.

"If you look at the data nationally, flu is heading for a peak, not just New Jersey, but in a number of other states -- Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware -- and New York City," said Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, the New Jersey state epidemiologist.

Although the flu is not a reportable disease in New Jersey and most who come down with it never seek care from their doctors, the state has confirmed 45 cases of the virus in nine …