Community Health Advisory | Whooping Cough
Dec. 17, 2025
An LMU campus community member has recently been diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is contagious and can spread through coughing or sneezing. It is treated with antibiotics. Those who have been in close contact with the confirmed case have been notified of potential exposure.
Pertussis cases are on the rise in Los Angeles County. If you believe you have symptoms, please follow up with your health care provider as soon as possible as there is testing, treatment and a vaccine available for this disease.
LMU Student Health Services (SHS) reminds community members of the importance of being vaccinated against communicable diseases such as pertussis, and encourages all individuals to check their pertussis vaccine status. The vaccine that protects individuals from acquiring pertussis is called Tdap.
Contact your health provider to find out if your Tdap up to date. Students can schedule a vaccine appointment at SHS. Please note that SHS will observe the same holiday closure as the university, and will be closed between Dec. 21 - Jan. 1. During this closure, students should consult their outside healthcare provider for vaccination.
During the winter cold and flu season, everyone is encouraged to practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, washing hands frequently, and maintaining adequate sleep and hydration. For more detailed information about pertussis, please view the pertussis resources at the CDC or L.A. County Public Health, or contact your healthcare provider.
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Flu season is here, it is important that you be prepared. In addition to getting a flu shot, which is highly recommended, here are some other easy precautions to prevent infection:
- Get a flu shot
- Washing hands often and well
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Keeping one's distance from sick people
Here are some reasons why getting the flu vaccine is highly recommended by the CDC:
- Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.
- While there are many different flu viruses, a flu vaccine protects against the viruses that research suggests will be most common. (See Vaccine Virus Selection for this season's vaccine composition.)
- Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations
Read more from the CDC about flu prevention.
To book your flu shot, call SHS at 310.338.2881 or book an appointment online through the MyHealth Portal through MyLMU.