Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Proactive.
Some area school districts have reported an increase in cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. This trend aligns with a nationwide rise in pertussis cases observed by the CDC, particularly as immunity to certain illnesses may have waned post-COVID.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that starts with cold-like symptoms, such as:
• Runny nose
• Mild fever
• Cough
Air passages get plugged with thick mucus that causes coughing spells. It is known for the “whoop” noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit. Infants and children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead. It can be a life-threatening illness for infants, children and people with weakened immune systems!
What you can do:
✔️ Be vigilant for symptoms, especially if you or your child have been exposed to someone ill.
✔️ Contact your healthcare provider if you suspect pertussis.
✔️ Make sure your family is up-to-date on vaccinations, as they are the best prevention.
Let’s work together to keep our community healthy! For more information on pertussis symptoms and prevention, visit the CDC’s website at https://bit.ly/3P2Ag5a
A Closer Look at Pertussis
What is Pertussis: a bacterial infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Air passages get plugged with thick mucus that causes coughing spells. It is known for the “whoop” noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit. Infants and children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead. It can be a life-threatening illness for infants and children!
Symptoms: It may take 3 days to 3 weeks from exposure to symptom onset. Early symptoms can appear to be the common cold. Later symptoms can include the characteristic “whoop” sound when taking a breath after coughing, uncontrolled coughing fits, runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever and vomiting during or after coughing, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
Diagnosis: may include a nasal swab, chest x-ray and / or blood test
Treatment: antibiotics, acetaminophen, NSAIDs, drink plenty of fluids, cool mist humidifier, avoid smoke and smoking, cover your cough, and protect others from pertussis by covering a cough with either a tissue or crook of the elbow.
Vaccination: Talk to your doctor about a vaccine that is right for you. Pregnant women need to receive that vaccine in their 27th to 36th week as antibodies are passed along to the newborn to protect them until they can receive the vaccine at age 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by boosters at age 15–18 months and 4–6 years.
Prevention:
1. Wash your hands often!!
2. Cover your cough
3. Protect others by staying home when you are ill
4. Talk to your provider about vaccination
Visit the CDC Website: https://bit.ly/3P2Ag5a