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 Q. I’ve heard that adults should be immunized against whooping cough. Isn’t that a childhood disease?
We used to think that whooping cough — also called pertussis — was a childhood disease. And, in fact, it poses the most risk to infants. But, in recent years, there’s been increasing recognition that it can cause serious illness in older children and adults as well. So it’s important to ask your doctor about the vaccine for everyone in your family — including adults.
Pertussis is a respiratory disease. It begins much like the common cold. Early symptoms can include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and a mild fever. But, after one to two weeks violent bursts of coughing appear. This can lead to the loud inhaling noise that sounds like a “whoop.” This symptom is most common in children between ages 6 months and 5 years.
The illness typically lasts for six to 10 weeks and is very contagious. It’s often spread when infected droplets are sneezed or coughed into the air. Whooping cough can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. So be sure to talk with your doctor if you suspect that anyone in your family has it.
Modern medicine
Whooping cough was once a major cause of childhood illness and even death in the United States. That changed after a vaccine became available in the mid-1940s. However, cases have been on the rise since the 1980s.
The vaccine for infants and young children is called the DTaP. It protects against three diseases — diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. The DTaP is given in a series of five shots.
For older kids and adults up to age 65, there’s a follow-up booster vaccine. It’s called the Tdap, and it also includes protection from tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. There are two good reasons to get it. First, the immunity given by the DTaP vaccine fades over time. Second, many infants who get whooping cough catch it from adults and older siblings who don’t know they’re infected.
The Tdap is recommended for:
- Children ages 11 or 12 years
- Adults or teens who have never received the Tdap booster
- Adults who will be in close contact with an infant and haven’t had a Tdap
- Women who’ve just had a baby or who plan to get pregnant soon and haven’t had a Tdap
- Health care workers who have direct contact with patients and haven’t had a Tdap shot in the last two years
The next time you’re due for a tetanus booster, talk with your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine. Keep in mind that it isn’t recommended for everyone. Be sure to let your doctor know if you’ve had a bad reaction to any prior vaccinations.
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Are your immunizations up-to-date?
Learn more about vaccines at myuhc.com. Click “Health & Wellness,” then type “vaccines” into the search box.
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