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Ask Our Expert on Healthy Aging
Q: What is whooping cough?Ask Our Expert About Whooping Cough Vaccine for Adults About Our Expert
Luther V. Rhodes, M.D. is
Q: What is whooping cough?A: Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. The illness is characterized by severe coughing spasms that can last from three weeks to two months. Whooping cough is spread from person to person through close contact with respiratory droplets released when a person coughs or sneezes. Before a vaccine was introduced in the 1940s, whooping cough was a major cause of serious illness and death among infants and young children. Q: Has there been an increase in the number of whooping cough cases?A: Yes. Community-wide outbreaks have been reported throughout the United States and Canada. Although most children receive a whooping cough vaccination, immunity fades over time leaving adolescents and adults unprotected. As a result, adult and adolescent cases have quadrupled in recent years, making up nearly one-third of all reported cases. The true number of cases may be higher because people who cough for more than two weeks may actually have the disease. Q: Is whooping cough easily diagnosed and treated?A: No. Diagnosing whooping cough in its earliest stages can be difficult because the symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, the flu or bronchitis. In addition, once you become infected with the bacterium that causes whopping cough, it takes a few days or weeks for symptoms to appear. At this stage of the illness, antibiotic treatments are not very effective. Q: Should I receive another whooping cough vaccination?A: Yes. In fact, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends adults and adolescents age 11-64 receive a single dose of a new vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis called Tdap. This vaccination (Adacel™) will replace your next tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster shot. You should get a Tdap booster once every 10 years, especially if you work in a health care setting or will be around infants. Babies are especially susceptible to whooping cough and don’t get vaccinated until their first birthday. Q: Are there side effects to receiving the Tdap vaccination?A: The most common side effect is injection site pain, redness and swelling. Other less common side effects include headache, body ache, tiredness and fever. As with any vaccine, there is a small risk of allergic reaction. These reactions are rare and usually occur before leaving the doctor’s office. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to a previous tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis vaccination, you should not receive the Tdap shot. Q: Should I receive the Tdap vaccination during pregnancy?A: This question is best answered by your doctor. Only your health care professional can determine if the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks. Q: I recently received the old Td shot. Is it safe to receive the new Tdap vaccine?A: If you’ve recently had a Td vaccine, it’s best to wait at least two years before getting the new Tdap to minimize the risk of reaction. Q: Is Tdap safe for people age 65 and older?A: Currently, Tdap is not approved for people in this age group. However, studies are being conducted to determine its effectiveness and the side effects it may cause in people 65 and older. Until these studies are complete, adults 65 and older should receive a Td booster shot every 10 years or if they have suffered an injury requiring wound management. Q: What else can I do to prevent infection?A: The best way to prevent infection is with the whooping cough vaccine. Talk to your doctor to ensure all your vaccinations are up to date. Also, if you’re caring for someone with whooping cough, wear a mask. If you’re sick, always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent infecting those around you.
This page last updated 10/15/08 03:15 PM
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