The Daily Freeman reports that influenza is prevalent in New York State, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. Health care workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must now wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are present. New York reported 1,230 cases of the flu during the week ending on Dec. 15, but only 155 cases in the Hudson Valley — 77 in Westchester County, 25 in Dutchess, 17 in Rockland, 15 in Orange, seven in Putnam and four each in Ulster and Sullivan. There was only one case in Greene County, and five in Columbia County. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.