Noro virus, Measles, influenza, what’s next? The next worse thing is the 405 fwy and we can’t stop that spread! None the less, vaccine preventable diseases have not gone away. Viruses and bacteria that cause illness and death still exist and can be passed on to those who are not properly vaccinated reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. In addition we have more foreigners and immigrants coming to the United States and that also brings various viruses and diseases from other countries. The Center for Disease Control recognizes August as National Immunization month.
Infants and the elderly are at greater risk for serious infections and complications, but vaccine-preventable diseases can strike anyone. Approximately 50,000 adults die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases in the US.
Make sure your children are up-to-date on vaccines before sending them back to school. School-age children, from preschoolers to college students, need vaccines. Shots may hurt a little, but the diseases they can prevent are a lot worse says Chief DiGiovanna.
It’s important to remember hand-washing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine – it involves five simple and effective steps (think Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) so you can stay healthy. Regular hand-washing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.
For additional information visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam.html
Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
