Pertussis outbreak in California California is suffering through the largest pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak in 70 years. Pertussis is breathing illness that affects the lungs causing frequent intense coughing spells. It identified often by its classic paroxysmal cough (click on the youtube link below) where the person has difficulty taking a breath between coughing. Pertussis is preventable through vaccination. Infants cannot receive this vaccine until at 6 weeks of age but is typically given at 2, 4, & 6 month well child visits. This puts the very young infant at risk of contracting pertussis. Family members are encouraged to get vaccinated in anticipation of a new baby in the home and pregnant women can also benefit from being vaccinated. Typically when an epidemic occurs, it means a person who has the illness easily spreads it to those around them. Very young infants, middle adolescents and the much older are at the highest risk for contracting pertussis because often they have either not been vaccinated or it has been a number of years since they have updated their pertussis vaccination. It has been discovered through a great deal of research on these vaccine preventable diseases, repeated vaccinations are required through one’s life to maintain protection. If you or your child has not had a recent pertussis vaccine, discuss this with your provider to determine the best method to protect you and your family. It may be a simple as getting an injection. https://youtube/watch?v=Aq9mkRr_E7c https://youtube/watch?v=8QWdEwjBEBw medpagetoday/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/48935
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:30:43 +0000