Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a preventable disease that is spreading across the country. The disease is highly contagious, and can quickly spread from one person to another. Each year brings a higher number of pertussis cases than the year before in the United States, and prevention is a must for everyone. The disease is most serious to infants, as they are not yet fully immunized against the disease. Pertussis is one of the leading causes of death in vaccine-preventable diseases in the world, and is the only one on the rise in the United States.
Symptoms of Pertussis
The main symptom of pertussis is a very distinct cough. The term whooping cough comes from the sound that a person makes when coughing with the disease. There is a deep cough that is followed by a whoop at the end. This sound is made when attempting to inhale, and is a result of swelling and inflammation in the throat. It is not uncommon for a person to vomit from coughing so hard. The initial stage of pertussis lasts about 1-2 weeks, and is characterized by mild respiratory symptoms. There may also be a low-grade fever present in the first stage. This progresses into a persistent cough, that is usually at least 8-9 coughing sounds in a row. The cough is harsh and can be painful.
The whooping sound is usually more distinct in younger children, and is more of a gasping sound in older children. Children typically appear ill, or in mild-moderate respiratory distress with a coughing episode. It is not uncommon to have a blue skin color from a decreased amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. This second stage of pertussis can last for 3-10 weeks. The cough will eventually taper off, decreasing in severity and persistence. It is common to develop respiratory infections for several months as you are recovering from pertussis.
Pertussis is typically diagnosed based primarily on clinical history. A culture can be obtained from nasal secretions to confirm a diagnosis, but treatment should be started immediately based on clinical information.
Those at the highest risk of severe illness or death from pertussis are infants under the age of 1. Approximately 50% of Infants who become infected with pertussis are hospitalized each year. Of the children hospitalized, about 20% of these cases develop into pneumonia, and 1 out of 100 infants will die once diagnosed with pertussis.
Pertussis is spread through respiratory secretions. This means that you can come into contact with the infection through kissing, drinking after someone, or just being around their respiratory secretions. Once you have been exposed to pertussis, there is a period of 7-21 days in which you may only have mild respiratory symptoms, but are contagious. It is important to take any respiratory symptoms seriously, especially if you are aware of a pertussis exposure.
Pertussis Vaccine
There is a vaccine available to prevent pertussis, which provides immunity for 5-10 years. The pertussis vaccine is mixed with tetanus and diphtheria, making it just one shot. The vaccine, known as DTaP, is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 months, and 4 years. All five shots are required to be considered fully immunized. A booster shot is recommended every 5-10 years to keep immunizations current. Once a person is infected with pertussis, natural immunity is present in the body. This immunity typically lasts about 10 years.
Pertussis is becoming increasingly common in adolescence and adults, as they are not typically getting the booster vaccine as recommended. It is important for everyone to get vaccinated, to prevent spread of the disease to others. Washing hands regularly can prevent the spread of pertussis, as well as all other diseases. It is possible to come into contact with the bacteria that spread pertussis anywhere in the community, and you may not be aware of it.
Treatment of Pertussis
It is important to start treating pertussis as early as possible. Pertussis is treated with antibiotics, and other medications to control symptoms. Tylenol and Motrin may be given to treat fever and pain. Cough medicine may be given to ease the symptoms of the cough. If antibiotics are started early in the disease process, then the symptoms tend to be less severe. The antibiotics do not typically cure pertussis, but they will ease the symptoms.
Pertussis cases are on the rise, and it is a disease that can be prevented and controlled with a vaccine. It is unfortunate that a person may become ill or die from a disease that is preventable. It is vital to avoid contact with anyone who has respiratory symptoms, especially if you care for an infant. Educating yourself and others can help decrease the amount of pertussis cases, and may save a life.
Medicinenet.com "Pertussis" (accessed 11-5-10)
Center for Disease Control (CDC) Pertussis (accessed 11-5-10)
vaccineinomation.org (accessed 11-5-10)
Diane Middleton - I have been a registered nurse in the Emergency Department for the past 15 years. I love to write about my ER experiences, and use this ...
Join the Conversation