More Flu Cases Confirmed In Broome County

The number of Binghamton-area residents diagnosed with the flu is rising.

Mari Yourdon of the Broome County Health Department says confirmed influenza cases started to increase around mid-December.

Yourdon says the number of people with the flu more than doubled in the last reported week.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Yourdon said nearly 150 cases have been confirmed during the current flu season.

Health officials say everyone over six months of age should receive a flu shot. They say those who have yet to be vaccinated should still get a shot so they'll have some protection for the rest of the flu season.

Flu cases in Broome County peaked in February last year but some experts expect this year's peak time will be later.

Yourdon said emergency room visits from patients with fever and respiratory problems have been rising in recent weeks.

There's more information about the flu on the Broome County health department website.