News

Widespread flu cases ‘worrisome,’ Tompkins County medical director says

Widespread flu cases ‘worrisome,’ Tompkins County medical director says

Tompkins County Whole Health Department Photo: Saga Communications


ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Tompkins County Whole Health is urging vaccination for the flu.

According to the New York State Department of Health, the illness is already widespread across the state. Last year, the flu wasn’t declared prevalent until December.

“[The flu] typically increases rapidly beginning in December and continuing into January,” Tompkins County Medical Director Dr. William Klepack said. “It is quite worrisome that there are already so many cases of flu in the state and in our county.”

Klepack said it takes about two weeks after being vaccinated to start having protection.

“I urge you to take the flu seriously and get vaccinated now, especially with the holiday season fast approaching,” he said.

According to health officials, it’s recommended that everyone 6 months and older receives a flu vaccine annually. For help with finding an appointment, dial 2-1-1.

Recent Headlines

3 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Russell Brand is sentenced to 10 1/2 years in a British prison for rape and sexual assault

Russell Brand was sentenced Monday to 10 1/2 years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others during a period when his comedy career built around boasts of erotic exploits was taking off.

3 hours ago in Sports, Trending

In a wide-open NFL, trade deadline is an opportunity for a few teams to get a big boost

The NFL is wide open at the season's midpoint. The trade deadline will give teams an opportunity to separate themselves from the pack, especially in a season when several teams are in the mix for a Super Bowl run.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music, Trending

25 years after ‘Britney,’ 5 new Britney Spears songs showcase a pop icon at a transformative moment

Legacy Recordings on Friday is releasing "Britney (25th Anniversary Edition)," an expanded reissue of her pivotal record, which went quadruple platinum in less than two months. The collection features two remixes and five previously unreleased songs from that era, her first new (or is it old?) music since she announced she would "never return to the music industry" in a 2024 Instagram post.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

Cristiano Ronaldo announces his international retirement from Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo won't play for Portugal anymore, ending on Thursday a career that spanned six World Cups and included a European title and the men's all-time international scoring record.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards. Here’s how to watch

The 2026 Latin Grammy Awards are right around the corner. Are you ready? If not, no problema. Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 Latin Grammys, including how to stream the show and where you can see music's biggest stars walking the red carpet.