What you should know about Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Since the school year began about a month ago, there has been five reported cases of pertussis in Thurston County.

While typically a relatively mild illness for older children and adults, pertussis can be life threatening for infants and young children, and dangerous for pregnant women.

Pertussis is spread through the air and by secretions of the nose and throat in the same manner as a cold. The illness starts with mild cold symptoms, followed in 4 to 5 days by a cough. The cough can become severe, causing children to vomit or have difficulty breathing. Difficulty breathing causes the characteristic “whoop” sound in children with severe illness. Most children are immunized during infancy and preschool years and are protected while they are the most vulnerable. Immunity wanes over time leaving older children and adults susceptible to the illness.

Pertussis containing vaccine is available for older children and adults. The recommendation is that all individuals 11 years of age and older receive one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine. Vaccine for children is available from their health care provider and most pharmacies will vaccinate older children and adults.

The three most important ways to prevent the spread of pertussis as well as many other illnesses are:

     1. Frequent hand washing.

     2. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

     3. You and your child stay home when ill.

If you or your child has a severe or persistent cough, or one that lasts longer than a week, please see your family health care provider for an evaluation. If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or school nurse.