You might be reminded by the noticeable drop in temperatures, or the sound of the furnace kicking on, or the 4:45 p.m. sunsets. Whatever lights the bulb in your head that winter is on the way should also jumpstart your efforts to protect yourself and others from the impending sick season.

If cold and darkness don’t remind you to get your vaccinations up to date, mask up and stock up on hand sanitizer, you might check out the state Health Department’s brand new Respiratory Surveillance Report. (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/)

The report, updated weekly, tracks cases of........

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