You’ve probably seen a lot of talk in the news recently about the increase in pertussis (also known as whooping cough). It’s a bacterial infection that usually starts with a runny nose, fever and cough. The regular cough then develops into a raspy cough that sounds more like a loud bark.
People with pertussis usually spread it by coughing or sneezing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents or caregivers who might not even know they have it. Symptoms usually develop within seven to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes it takes as long as six weeks.
Infants at Risk
In infants, the severe coughing spells can go on for weeks, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The child might turn blue from lack of air, or vomit after a coughing spell. A child with pertussis can have difficulty eating, drinking and even breathing. Infants with pertussis are often hospitalized to assist their breathing.
Young infants are at the highest risk for pertussis-related complications, including pneumonia, seizures, brain swelling and even death, according to experts at Brenner Children’s Hospital, a part of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem North Carolina. In the U.S., the incidence of pertussis peaks at one month of age and progressively decreases over the next year. Most deaths occur among unvaccinated children or infants too young to be vaccinated.
Vaccination Is Important, Says AAP
Pertussis vaccination is critical to controlling this potentially deadly disease. The AAP recommends “cocooning,” a strategy that protects infants when they are too young to be immunized, by having parents, siblings and caretakers get vaccinated.
There are two types of pertussis vaccines: DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for adolescents and adults. Getting vaccinated with Tdap is especially important for family members with, and caregivers of, newborns. (Also, if caring for an infant, keep him or her away from anyone with cough or cold symptoms.)
Talk with your child’s doctor about the correct vaccination schedule for your baby or young child as well as for other family members and caregivers.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, January 2014
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