- Pertussis, more commonly known as “Whooping Cough” or the 100-day cough, is vaccine preventable.
- Symptoms of pertussis may begin with a cold then progress to a persistent cough, usually worse at night which may be followed with vomiting. Attempts to treat symptoms (i.e., over the counter cough syrups) at home do not help. Medical attention is needed to diagnose and treat pertussis. Go to your doctor!
- Persons with pertussis must stay at home for the full five day course of antibiotics even if they feel better. You are considered contagious until completion of antibiotics. This means no school, sports, camps, work, or social activities until completion of antibiotics. Despite antibiotic treatment, the cough may persist for days/weeks.
- Household members who are in close contact with a pertussis patient are usually treated with antibiotics to prevent contracting pertussis. They can continue their normal daily activities while on antibiotic treatment.
- The best defense is vaccination! Routine pertussis vaccination starts in children as young as 2 months. Children should have received a total of five doses of pertussis vaccine prior to entering kindergarten.
- Protection from pertussis vaccine wanes over time which is why a one time dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is recommended for children (as young as 7 years of age) and for adults.
- Adults are known carriers of pertussis and can unknowingly give it to others.
- New parents should receive Tdap vaccine before bringing their newborn home from the hospital. Grandparents, too!
- Tdap vaccine can be given to breastfeeding mothers!
- Tdap vaccine is available at your doctor’s or at the health department. Call the Tompkins County Health Department at (607) 274-6616 to make an appointment.
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Page updated: September 20, 2011 | Webmaster