Preventing Flu And Whooping Cough

San Andreas, CA– The Calaveras County Public Health Department is reminding residents that fall is the start of flu season.

It’s also a time when other respiratory illnesses such as whooping cough can be present. County Health Officer Dean Kelaita says vaccines are currently available to the community that prevent both seasonal flu and whooping cough.

“It’s easy to forget that seasonal flu can cause serious illness and possibly death for some infants, youth and adults,” said Kelaita.

He says those at risk include adults 50 years of age and over, pregnant women and everyone with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, kidney, heart or lung disease.

The Public Health Department encourages everyone over 6 months of age to get a flu vaccine. It is available at regular Public Health immunization clinics for children and adults.

Whooping cough or pertussis is also a continuing concern for public health.

“Last year California experienced epidemic levels of whooping cough that resulted in nine infant deaths,” said Kelaita.

Youth are now required to have proof of the Tdap (whooping cough booster) before entering 7th grade to limit the spread of this preventable disease.

The Tdap vaccine is also available for children, youth and adults at Public Health community clinics.

For more information about the flu, Tdap vaccines or the clinics, call the Public Health Department at (209) 754-6460 or visit www.calaveraspublichealth.com