Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is on the rise. It is a very contagious respiratory disease that is caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Why is pertussis on the rise?
There are many reasons for the increase in diagnosed cases. The vaccine for pertussis may have waning immunity, meaning there’s a decrease in protection over time. Also, experts believe that pandemic-based isolation, social distancing, and wearing masks prevented the disease from spreading, which resulted in fewer cases.
What is pertussis and how do you recognize it?
The disease has three phases. During the initial (catarrhal) phase, symptoms include low-grade fever, chills, runny nose, and a mild cough. In the second phase, which occurs 2-3 weeks later, the cough worsens, resulting in fits, which can be pretty violent. At this point the classic “whoop” is heard. The whooping is a high-pitched sound heard with inhalation after a coughing fit. The third phase is recovery, where the coughing can linger for weeks.
Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, but they must be given in the initial phase to be effective. Early diagnosis is challenging because the onset symptoms are similar to the common cold. If administered after the initial phase, antibiotics will not cure the disease but may prevent it from spreading to others.
How can children avoid catching pertussis?
Adhering to the standard pediatric vaccine schedule can curtail the risk of pertussis. The CDC recommends the pertussis vaccine starting at 2 months, then again at 4 and 6 months, with ongoing shots during childhood at 15-18 months, and 4-6 years—all DTaP—with the Tdap given at 11-12 years. (The “P” in DTaP and Tdap stands for pertussis.)
Why start the vaccine at such a young age?
During the first six months of life, babies are vulnerable, so a bout of pertussis may be severe and warrant hospitalization due to a decreased oxygen level during the coughing episodes. Also, if babies are coughing frequently, they may not be able to take fluids and ultimately require IV hydration.
What should you do if your child is diagnosed with pertussis?
Follow your pediatrician’s advice, which may include antibiotics, plenty of fluids, and perhaps a cool mist humidifier. Also, if the coughing is significant, it may result in vomiting, in which case, small, frequent meals may be best.
Today, the vaccine and subsequent boosters are still the most effective tool in preventing pertussis. Extra boosters may be needed or a new vaccine may be developed that provides more extended protection. Until then, speak to your pediatrician and make sure your child is up-to-date on their routine vaccinations.
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