How Can I Protect My Family From Whooping Cough?

 Whooping cough can be difficult to distinguish from an upper respiratory infection or cold.  Characterized by coughing and fever, and highly contagious in the first 1-2 weeks, whooping cough gets its nickname from the audible "whoop" sound that those infected make when they gasp for air following a coughing fit.

"Whooping cough is sometimes known as the ‘100 Day Cough' because the longer a patient waits to treat it, the longer the coughing symptoms can persist – sometimes up to three months," said Sheila Nolan, MD, Chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network.  "The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccination (DTaP for those younger than 7 years of age, and Tdap or Td for those 7 years or older) across the lifespan.

• Infants and children should receive 5 doses of DTaP, usually administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years of age.
• Adolescents should receive a single dose of Tdap at 11 to 12 years of age.
• Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, preferably at 27 through 36 weeks gestation.

Infants are at the greatest risk for severe diseases and complications due to whooping cough.  It is important for adults who plan to spend time around infants – household members, grandparents, caregivers - to be vaccinated.  Dr. Nolan also stressed the importance of the booster vaccine at 11-12 years of age. Immunity wanes 5-10 years after the initial vaccination series and it is not uncommon to see pertussis outbreaks in middle schools and high schools.   

• Do you suspect that your or your child may have whooping cough? Visit your doctor right away, but call ahead to alert them to the symptoms. The office may have a protocol in place to help keep fellow patients safe as the illness can easily be spread through droplets within a 6-ft. range.