- Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a very contagious disease that can cause babies to stop breathing—here’s what you need to know about preventing it.
- Infants are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough, so pregnant womenshould get vaccinated in the third trimester of each pregnancy.
- Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can use CDC’s many educational resources to teach parents about vaccines for whooping cough and other childhood diseases.
Español: Prevención
Vaccines
The best way to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Also, keep infants and other people at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people.
In the United States, the recommended pertussis vaccine for infants and children is called DTaP. This is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Vaccine protection for these three diseases fades with time. Before 2005, the only booster available contained protection against tetanus and diphtheria (called Td), and was recommended for teens and adults every 10 years. Today there is a booster for preteens, teens and adults that contains protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap).
The easiest thing for adults to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus booster-that Td shot that they were supposed to get every 10 years. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it is a good idea for adults to talk to a healthcare provider about what is best for their specific situation.
For detailed information on pertussis vaccines, visit the Pertussis Vaccine Site.
Learn more about how pertussis vaccines can help protect the following groups of people:
Infection
If your doctor confirms that you have pertussis, your body will have a natural defense (immunity) to future infections. Some observational studies suggest that pertussis infection can provide immunity for 4-20 years. Since this immunity fades and does not offer lifelong protection, routine vaccines are recommended.
Antibiotics
If you or a member of your household has been diagnosed with pertussis, your doctor or local health department may recommend preventive antibiotics (medications that can help prevent diseases caused by bacteria) to other members of the household to prevent spread of disease. Additionally, other people outside the household who have been exposed to a person with pertussis may be given preventive antibiotics depending on whether or not they are considered at risk for serious disease or if they have routine contact with someone that is considered at high risk of serious disease.
Infants younger than 12 months old are most at risk for serious complications from pertussis. Although pregnant women are not at increased risk for serious disease, those in their third trimester would be considered at increased risk since they could in turn expose their newborn to pertussis. You should discuss whether or not you need preventative antibiotics with your doctor, especially if there is an infant or pregnant woman in your household or you plan to have contact with an infant or pregnant woman.
Hygiene
Like many respiratory illnesses, pertussis is spread by coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Practicing good hygiene is always recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
- If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Reference
Wendelboe AM, Van Rie A, Salmaso S, Englund JA. Duration of immunity against pertussis after natural infection or vaccination. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005;24(5 Suppl):S58-61.
Top of Page
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario