Pertussis - Pertussis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of pertussis cases is up to epidemic levels in the United States. More than twice the number of cases have been reported this year compared to last year at this time. Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and can cause serious illness, especially in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.
Pertussis is highly contagious and is spread by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria of pertussis. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by parents, older brothers and sisters or other caregivers who might not know they have the disease.
The disease starts like the common cold, runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe mild cough or fever. But after 1-2 weeks, severe coughing begins. cough due to infection with whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks or more; sometimes known as the "100-day cough." Children with cough illness violently and rapidly, over and over, until the air is gone from their lungs and they have to breathe with . a loud "whooping" pertussis is most severe for babies, according to the CDC, more than half of infants under 1 year of age who get the disease must be hospitalized About 1 5 children with whooping cough catch. pneumonia, and about 1 100 will have convulsions. in rare cases, pertussis can be deadly, especially in infants
pertussis can be prevented with the vaccine against whooping cough, which is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis) vaccination and Tdap vaccination. the Tdap is similar to DTaP, but with lower concentrations of diphtheria and tetanus.
- children recommended for DTaP. For maximum protection against pertussis, children need five DTaP shots. The first three shots are given at 2, 4 and 6 months. The fourth shot is given between 15 and 18 months, and a fifth shot is given when the child enters school, at 4-6 years.
- To provide additional protection in case of immunity fades, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that children ages 11-18 receive a booster dose of the new combination vaccine (called Tdap ), ideally when they are aged 11 or 12 years instead of the tetanus and diphtheria booster (Td) regularly given at this age. Preteens going to the doctor for their regular checkup to 11 or 12 years should get a dose of Tdap.
- Adults who do not receive Tdap as a preteen or teen should get one dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster.
- most pregnant women who are not already vaccinated with Tdap should get a dose of Tdap postpartum before leaving the hospital or birth. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for families with new children.
The easiest thing for adults to do is get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus booster shot Td they were supposed to get every 10 years. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the mark of 10, so it's a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare professional about what is best for their specific situation
Sources :. American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LifeWork EAP strategies, and Washington and Shady Grove Adventist hospitals.
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