 Pertussis, also known as “whooping cough” for the trademark sound made by those suffering from the illness, is making a comeback. This highly contagious disease is caused by an infection of the respiratory system that leads to uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing spells can make it hard to breathe, and may cause vomiting.
Vaccines have made this disease less prevalent in recent years, but the number of cases is on the rise again. While adults usually experience mild discomfort from the coughing spells, pertussis can be deadly for infants, especially those under 6 months that have not been vaccinated.
The pertussis infection can last about 6 weeks and is highly contagious. The first symptoms resemble a common cold, including runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and low-grade fever. Infected people are most contagious during the earliest stages of the illness for up to about 2 weeks after the cough begins. Someone infected can spread the disease simply by sneezing, coughing, or laughing. If you have an infant or care for one, take the time to get vaccinated. It could save a life…
Most new moms are given a Tdap injection in the hospital after delivery, protecting them from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. But dads, older siblings, and caregivers need to get vaccinated too. Many elderly people may never have been vaccinated. Urge anyone that comes in regular contact with your newborn to speak to their physician about the vaccination as soon as possible.
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