Pertussis
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious disease. Adolescents and adults can easily spread it to infants, who have the most severe symptoms. At first, pertussis can seem just like a regular cough or cold, but the illness can get worse. It can include a persistent, hacking cough severe enough to cause vomiting and even break ribs. Pertussis can last up to three months or more. Pertussis can be extremely serious:
- More than half of infants less than one year of age with pertussis must be hospitalized
- About one in 10 children with pertussis get pneumonia
- Although rare, other complications from whooping cough may include seizures, brain disorder and even death.
How can you help protect babies from getting pertussis (whooping cough)?
The Center for Disease Control recommends tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccination to replace one dose of tetanus and diphtheria (Td). Tdap can be administered to all individuals seven years or older, especially:
- People who live with or take care of infants less than one year of age
- Women who might become pregnant
- New mothers – before leaving the hospital
- Healthcare personnel
The state of Virginia REQUIRES Tdap vaccination for ALL rising 6th graders.
Ask your doctor about vaccination today!