Pertussis is spreading widely across the region this winter. There were 6 times more cases in the U.S. last month than there were a year ago, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacteria that causes a persistent cough. Anyone of any age can get it. It’s especially common among school-aged kids.
Whooping cough can be especially harmful for young children, especially those who are too young to be vaccinated.
Infants and children who have not been fully immunized should see a provider if they have any symptoms, or have been exposed to someone with whooping cough or who has a chronic cough.
Symptoms:
- Spreads through coughing or sneezing
- Starts like a cold, then cough worsens to uncontrollable bursts
- Breathing in causes a “whoop” sound, and sometimes vomiting
- Can last several weeks or months as lungs heal
It's important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. Anyone who has a known exposure and some symptoms should see a provider.
Treatment:
- Antibiotics treat illness and reduce contagiousness
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed
- Eliminate coughing triggers like smoke, dust, chemical fumes
- Use a cool mist humidifier to loosen mucus and soothe the cough
- Eat small meals every few hours to help prevent vomiting
- Get plenty of fluids: water, juices, fruits
- Stay home for 5 days of antibiotic treatment (or 3 weeks after onset of coughing) until no longer contagious
Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis. It’s part of recommended childhood vaccines. A booster is recommended for adolescents and adults.
“Hesitation to vaccines and the increase in children not vaccinated has led to this pertussis outbreak,” says pediatrician Ben Flannery, MD. “The most important thing to stop this outbreak and prevent future ones is to get children their recommended vaccines.”
Sources: Minnesota Department of Health, CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics