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Pertussis, also called “Whooping Cough,” is a disease caused by bacteria. Pertussis is usually mild in older children and adults, but it often causes serious problems in babies.
Who gets pertussis?
Pertussis is most common among babies, but anyone can get it. Pertussis can be hard
to diagnose in babies, teens, and adults because their symptoms often look like a cold
with a nagging cough. Babies often get pertussis from older children or adults.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis begins like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and cough that
slowly gets worse. After one to two weeks, the cough gets worse and usually starts
to occur in strong “coughing fits.” This type of coughing may last
for six or more weeks. There is generally no fever during this time. In young
children, coughing fits are often followed by a whooping sound as they try to catch
their breath. After coughing, a person may have difficulty catching their breath,
vomit, or become blue in the face from lack of air. The coughing spells may be so bad
that it is hard for babies to eat, drink, or breathe. The cough is often worse at
night, and cough medicines usually do not help reduce the cough. Between coughing
spells, the person often appears to be well. Some babies may have apnea (failure
to breath) and can die from this. Adults, teens, and vaccinated children often have
milder symptoms that mimic bronchitis or asthma.
How is pertussis spread?
The pertussis bacteria live in the nose, mouth, and throat, and are sprayed into the
air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Other people nearby can then
inhale the bacteria. Touching a tissue or sharing a cup used by someone with pertussis
can also spread the disease. The first symptoms usually appear within 5 days to 21
days after a person is infected.
Is pertussis dangerous?
It can be, especially for babies. Pertussis can cause breathing problems (apnea),
pneumonia, and swelling of the brain (encephalopathy), which can lead to seizures and
brain damage. Pertussis can also cause death (rarely), especially in babies.
How is pertussis diagnosed?
A doctor may diagnose a patient with pertussis because of their symptoms. To confirm
the diagnosis, the doctor will swab the back of the nose for laboratory testing. It is
important to remember laboratory tests may be negative even if a patient has pertussis.
How is Pertussis treated?
Antibiotics are used to treat the infected person and their close contacts. In addition,
it is helpful to get plenty of rest and fluids. Persons hospitalized with severe
pertussis may need special treatments.
Can pertussis be prevented?
Yes. Pertussis may be prevented in household members and close contacts of a person
with pertussis by treating them with antibiotics, even if they have been vaccinated.
Vaccination of children in early infancy may also prevent pertussis. Pertussis vaccine
is given along with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines in the same shot (called Dtap).
The vaccine cannot be given to persons seven years of age or older. Vaccine protection
begins to fade in older children and adults. Most hospitalizations and deaths occur in
children less htan three month of age. When possible, babies should be dept away from
people who are coughing. Babies with any coughing illness should be seen by a doctor.
Is the pertussis vaccine safe?
Yes it is safe for most people. Though there is a very slight risk of problems caused
by the caccine, pertussis is extremely serious. Pertussis causes about 10-20 deaths
each year in the US. That is why experts recommend that all babies and children be
given a full series of DTaP vaccine unless there is a medical reason not to.