Philly & South Jersey Named Among Top U.S. Regions For Faking Sick

A new study reveals that flu season isn’t actually knocking Philadelphia and South Jersey residents off their feet. Instead, many are perfectly healthy and quietly pretending to be sick to escape work, plans, family obligations, and everyday burnout.

Sudoku Bliss recently surveyed Americans about the not-so-secret habit of faking sick, and the Philadelphia–South Jersey region stood out quite a bit. Locals ranked 4th highest nationally for overall sick-day deception, proving that calling out “under the weather” is basically a regional skill set.

Philly & South Jersey Rank Among The Top Sick Fakers

According to the survey, 92% of residents in the region admit they’ve faked being sick at least once, the 5th highest rate in the U.S. Even more telling, 41% say they’ve kept the act going for two days or more, turning a fake cough into a full-blown production.

• READ MORE: NJ Ranks Top 10 In The US For Women's Health

Parents aren’t innocent either. 52% admit to faking their child being sick, ranking the region 7th nationally. Whether it’s skipping school, work, or just a chaotic day, sometimes the excuse is too convenient not to use.

The Responsibilities Philly & South Jersey Locals Are Actually Trying To Avoid

The reasons go well beyond work. Survey respondents admitted they’ve faked sick to dodge:

1. Plans with friends (55%)
2. Work responsibilities (51%)
3. Family obligations (39%) the 3rd highest nationally\
4. Sex (22%)
5. Household chores (27%)

Translation: “I’m not feeling well” has become the ultimate all-purpose escape hatch.

Why This Data Feels So Relatable In NJ Right Now

Between packed calendars, rising stress, and nonstop expectations, the data suggests something bigger than laziness. For many Philly and South Jersey residents, faking sick isn’t about slacking.

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It’s about survival, boundaries, and catching a break where possible. Judging by these numbers, almost everyone’s done it. If you really are sick and not just trying to ditch responsibilities, here are some places you might want to avoid so you don't get even worse.