Pertussis (Whooping Cough) cases are on the rise. It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, saliva and mucus. Pertussis can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies.
Signs and symptoms:
The common cold, fever, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue;
Cough with “whoop noise” when someone grasps for air after a cough;
Difficulty breathing;
Many babies with Pertussis cough don’t cough at all;
Pause in breathing, struggle to breathe (Apnea);
Vomiting or exhaustion after coughing.
Prevention:
Get your vaccinations (DTaP, flu, RSV, and all other vaccine-preventable diseases.)
Wash your hands frequently; use hand sanitizer, if available.
Treatment:
Seek medical help. The earlier someone seeks treatment, the better. Don’t wait to see if you are getting better or worse.
Healthcare providers can prescribe an antibiotic that best suits the patient.
Links to more information:
Whooping Cough in Children - Flyer