Health officials: Flu activity nationwide increases, vaccinations urged

Health officials in Michigan are urging residents to get vaccinated against whooping cough and influenza to help protect themselves and infants.

The Michigan Department of Community Health says whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is one of the most commonly occurring vaccine-preventable diseases in the U.S.

Watch: Whooping cough warning.

On Monday, the department and others joined in an effort to promote vaccinations.

In Michigan, there has been an increase in pertussis throughout the past decade, with a peak of more than 1,500 reported cases in 2010. This year in Michigan, there have been nearly 600 reported pertussis cases as of Sept. 30. And Michigan already has seen 12 seasonal flu cases.

During the 2010-11 flu season, there were six influenza-associated Michigan pediatric deaths. Currently, flu activity nationwide is increasing.

Watch: New Flu shot.