Due to the high number of recent cases in our community, we want to talk about an important illness called whooping cough, also known as pertussis. As of July 3, 2024, there have been 151 cases of whooping cough reported throughout the Eastern Urban and Rural Zones of NL Health Services. Currently, over half of these cases are among children between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. It’s especially important to learn about this if you have little ones at home or are expecting a new baby soon.
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It gets its name because of the “whoop” sound that people make when they try to take a breath after coughing. This illness can be very dangerous, especially for babies. When someone has whooping cough, they have severe coughing spells that can make it hard to breathe, eat, and sleep.
Why is Whooping Cough Dangerous?
Whooping cough is very dangerous for babies under one year old. Infants may cough so long and so hard that they can’t breathe. Young infants may not be able to cough forcefully and may stop breathing. Babies with whooping cough may have seizures and in severe cases, go into a coma. Unfortunately, about 1 in 400 infants with pertussis dies because of pneumonia or brain damage.
Pertussis is contagious from its early stages – even before coughing starts. The disease spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing. This means that someone with whooping cough can spread the disease without even knowing they have it.
What Does Whooping Cough Sound Like?
To understand how serious whooping cough can be, it helps to know what it sounds like. You can listen to an audio clip of the whooping cough on the Canada Public Health website. It’s a loud, gasping sound that is very distinct.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Knowing the symptoms of whooping cough can help you act quickly if someone in your family gets sick. Here are the common symptoms:
1. Cold-like symptoms: Runny nose, low fever, and mild cough.
2. Severe coughing spells: These can last for weeks and often end with a “whoop” sound. [Listen to what whooping cough sounds like].
3. Vomiting after coughing: Some people, especially children, might vomit after a coughing spell.
4. Fatigue: The coughing spells can make people very tired.
Protecting Your Family with Vaccines
The best way to protect against whooping cough is by getting vaccinated. The vaccine for whooping cough is called Tdap. It protects against three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Children in NL are vaccinated against pertussis at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months, at 4-6 years of age and again in Grade 9. A booster dose is also recommended once in adulthood and during the third trimester of each pregnancy.
*Important Tip*
If you will be spending time around babies (under one year old), it is very important to be up to date on your pertussis vaccine. If you are expecting a new baby in your life, you can help protect them by getting the Tdap vaccine at least two weeks before meeting them.
If you are unsure if you are up to date with whooping cough vaccine or need to arrange immunization, individuals in the Eastern-Urban Zone should call 1-877-752-8171.
Why Vaccination is Key
Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough. Here’s why it’s so important:
– Protects the most vulnerable: Babies and people who can’t get vaccinated depend on others being vaccinated to stay safe.
– Stops the spread: When more people are vaccinated, the disease can’t spread as easily.
Getting Tested for Whooping Cough
If you think someone in your family might have whooping cough, it’s important to get tested. Here’s what you need to know:
– NL Health Services’ Eastern-Urban Zone is offering whooping cough testing to individuals who have symptoms of whooping cough and have been in contact with someone who has whooping cough or have infants under one year of age in their lives.
– Appointments for testing can be made by calling 709-752-7852 or texting 1-877-709-0512.
– If you live outside the Eastern-Urban Zone or have other concerns, contact your primary care provider or call 811.
What to Do if Diagnosed
If you or someone in your family is diagnosed with whooping cough:
– Stay home: Do not go to school or work.
– Avoid public gatherings: Stay away from places where lots of people gather.
– Avoid contact with infants and pregnant individuals: Whooping cough is very dangerous for them.
-Follow treatment instructions: Your doctor will give you antibiotics to help you get better. Stay home for five days after starting the antibiotics to prevent spreading the disease.
Take Action Today
Remember, keeping our community healthy is a team effort. By learning about whooping cough and taking steps to prevent it, we can protect our loved ones and our community. Stay healthy, Newfoundland and Labrador!
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References:
1. Eastern Health. (n.d.). [Pertussis (Whooping Cough)]
2. Government of Canada. (n.d.). [Pertussis (Whooping Cough): For Health Professionals]
3. Caring for Kids. (n.d.). [Pertussis (Whooping Cough)]
Stay safe and healthy, everyone!