An alert is being issued by the Cortland County Health Department on a rise of the flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases in the Cortland community. The Health Department is providing guidance to residents on how to protect themselves and others.
The County Health Department reports there were 308 new flu cases reported, a large increase from the 175 cases reported a week prior. Throughout the state, the flu has been spreading at a significant rate. Residents are being reminded that it is not too late to receive your flu vaccine, which is available throughout the county and recommends everyone age 6 months or older to get vaccinated each year to protect themselves against the flu.
The vaccine will not only help protect you against the flu, but also limit the spread of the virus within the community.
Key tips to protect yourself against the Flu and other respiratory illnesses include:
- Avoiding close contact
- Staying Home when you are sick
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Washing your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Nicole Anjeski, Public Health Director stated, “The Cortland County Health Department encourages everyone to do their part in limiting the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV so that we can protect our most vulnerable community members. Getting vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 (these vaccines are safe and effective, and the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death), staying home when you are feeling ill, getting tested if you have symptoms and wearing a mask when necessary are steps we can all take to limit the spread of these viruses.”
There is an available vaccine finder for residents to use to find the nearest location to get vaccinated by clicking HERE.
