Pertussis
By: Autumn Soucek (Hour 7)
Summary
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable violent coughing. This is an upper respiratory disease, that lasts 2-3 months. May lead to vomiting or shortness of conciseness. Infants have the highest risks of death and need careful monitoring. This infection starts as a common cold but later on severe coughing occurs. Preteens should get a booster vaccine, called Tdap, at 11 or 12 years of age. Young children need five doses of Tdap by kindergarten (ages 4-6).
Coughing
At night it is most common to be awake and cough.
Cover Your Mouth
When you have Whopping Cough make sure to always cover your mouth.
The Steps To Wash Your Hands
When having this infection it is very important to wash your hands frequently.
Media Influence #1
This commercial is warning about how whooping cough is growing and how it is very deadly for infants. You think the safest place for the infant is in your arms but it can be the most deadliest.
Whooping Cough
Media Influential #2
This is a helpful link that informs you about what exactly whooping cough is and what you can do to help the infection out.
Interpersonal Communication
Parents: Talk to your parents about cleaning the house, making sure the infected person is covering their mouth and washing their hands frequently.
Doctor: Tell your doctor the symptoms and they can test and treat you. They can give you tips if you are infected. For example get plenty of rest, drink fluids and eat smaller meals because whopping cough leads to vomiting.
Long Term Risk Factors
Pertussis can cause pneumonia, especially in infants. This can be severe, requiring intensive care. People may recover gradually and may not recover completely. Lasting effects on lung function might result in shortness of breath or fatigue. If this infection goes so far whooping cough can even cause death.
Advances
In 1906 two french scientists discovered whopping cough. They also made the first vaccine. Over the years we have gotten better vaccines and other ways that will help the infection.
Sources:
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002528/
- http://www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis/
- http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/whooping_cough.html
- http://www.cdph.ca.gov/healthinfo/discond/pages/pertussis.aspx
- http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/967268-overview
- http://mayoclinichealthsystem.org/search?q=pertussis
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whooping-cough/DS00445/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
Local Information: Mankato, MN
You can make an appointment online or call.
Contact Information- Eastridge clinic 877-412-7575.
Open monday-friday 7:00am-7:00pm.