ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Health officials warn flu numbers are spiking in Tompkins County.

According to the Whole Health Department, only 6 positive cases were reported in the first week of December. As of January 4, positive cases have increased to nearly 250.

Officials say the flu vaccine is available at healthcare providers, pharmacies, and clinics. The “high dose” is best for people 65 and up, but a standard dose is recommended if the high dose is not available.

Tompkins County Whole Health’s Director of Community Health Services Rachel Buckwalter says if you have a highly vulnerable family member, friend, or coworker, you should get vaccinated to protect them from becoming ill.

“While it is best to get your flu vaccine in the fall, it is not too late to get the flu vaccine now,” said Buckwalter in a statement. “The vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every year. Children under 5 years, persons 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions, and pregnant women and their babies are most at risk from the flu.”

You can keep up with the county’s respiratory illness activity here.

 

A previous version of this story was published with incomplete provided data. It has been updated to reflect the most current numbers.