Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has recently been on the rise in the US. Caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, this infection impacts the lining of the airways and can cause severe coughing fits. Although anyone can catch whooping cough, babies and young children are especially vulnerable and susceptible to serious health risks. Infections can happen during any time of the year but are more common in late summer and fall.
Whooping cough often begins with cold-like symptoms (such as mild coughing, sneezing, and a running nose) in the early stages and then escalates after a week or two. Some of the signs parents should look out for are strong coughing fits where a high-pitched "whoop" sound might occur, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and bluish skin around the mouth and fingers. Babies might not cough as much or have the "whooping" sound compared to older children, but they can show signs of severe breathing difficulties or even stop breathing momentarily. They are also more prone to vomiting after coughing episodes. Whooping cough can be particularly dangerous for infants under one and lead to serious complications like pneumonia or seizures. Some babies may need hospitalization, so it's essential to recognize symptoms early and seek medical care right away.
If your child has been exposed to someone with whooping cough, their coughing becomes frequent, they have trouble breathing, they're exhausted or lose their appetite after coughing, or they vomit after coughing repeatedly, call your pediatrician. If diagnosed early, whooping cough can be managed with antibiotics, which can help prevent the spread of the infection, though they won’t necessarily relieve the cough itself. Because whooping cough is very contagious, children with the infection should stay home from school or daycare until they’ve completed five days of antibiotic treatment to reduce the chance of spreading the illness. Close family members may also need to take preventive antibiotics, even if they’re vaccinated. Note that cough medicines do not work on whooping cough. Your pediatrician can recommend other forms of home treatment instead.
To protect kids from whooping cough, children are typically given the pertussis vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age, and at 18 months and 4 or 5 years of age before the start of school. It is recommended that older children get the booster when they are 11 or 12 years old, as well as parents and families who are in close contact with babies under the age of one. It is also advised that pregnant women get vaccinated during their third trimester to protect both themselves and their baby since the immunity passes down to the child. Keep in mind that the vaccine's protection can fade after a period of time so those who were vaccinated a long time ago can still get the infection and spread it. The vaccine also doesn't always prevent the infection entirely, but it protects people against severe illness.
If you have any questions or concerns about whooping cough, call our office.
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