Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lining and airways of the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium
Pertussis is spread by:
Inhaling wet droplets from the sneeze or cough of a person infected with pertussis
Having direct contact with the person’s respiratory secretions
This infection is most common in infants and children. People at most risk are those who:
Have not been immunized
Live or work with someone who has pertussis
Live in close quarters (eg, dormitory, nursing home)
Live in crowded or unsanitary conditions
Runny nose and congestion
Watery, red eyes
Severe coughing spells that may end with a noisy inhale, or "whoop" (may not be heard in young infants)
Symptoms usually begin within 3-12 days after exposure. Cold-like symptoms can last for up to two weeks. A dry, hacking cough usually follows, which progresses to severe coughing spells. The illness usually lasts six weeks, but can range from three weeks to three months. In severe cases, the following can occur:
Treatment includes antibiotics. To help reduce vomiting and
dehydration, patients may be advised to eat small, frequent meals and drink plenty of water. Infants may need to be hospitalized.
What Is the Pertussis Vaccine?
The pertussis vaccine contains small, purified pieces of the pertussis germ. It is not available as a single vaccine, but is given in combination with
The vaccine is given as an injection, usually into the arm or thigh.
Who Should Get Vaccinated and When?
All children (with few exceptions) should receive this vaccine. DTaP (for children) and Tdap (for adolescents and adults) protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The regular immunization schedule (for children and adults) is as follows:
DTaP vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age
Booster dose of Tdap given at 11 or 12 years old—Those aged 13-18 years who missed the above booster dose can receive one dose of Tdap five years after the last dose.
Booster of Tdap (one time dose for ages 19-64 years)
For children aged 4 months to 6 years who have not yet received the vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following catch-up schedule:
Minimum Interval Between Doses
First and second dose
Second and third dose
Third and fourth dose
Fourth and fifth dose
Fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was administered at age 4 years or older
DTaP is not indicated for people aged 7 years or older
Children seven years and older and adults who have not been vaccinated should also be vaccinated. The choice and timing of the vaccine depends on how old you are and if you have received a dose before.
People who meet the following criteria should also get the vaccine:
Adults who expect to have close contact with an infant younger than 12 months should get a dose of Tdap (with a waiting time of two years since the last dose of Td).
Healthcare workers who have direct patient contact with hospitals or clinics should get a dose of Tdap (with a waiting time of two years since the last dose of Td).
If the last dose of Td was 10 years ago or longer, they should get a dose of Td.
If the last dose of Td was less than 10 years ago, they should get a dose of Tdap after giving birth.
What Are the Risks Associated With the Pertussis Vaccine?
Most people tolerate the vaccines without any trouble. The most common side effects are:
Nervous system problems or a severe allergic reaction, such as
(eg, Tylenol) is sometimes given to reduce pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medicine may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with your doctor.
Who Should Not Get Vaccinated?
Most people should receive their vaccinations on schedule. However, individuals in whom the risks of vaccination outweigh the benefits include people who:
Have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to DTP, DTap, DT, Tdap, or Td vaccine
Have had a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine to be given
Have gone into a
or long seizure within seven days after a dose of DTP or DTaP
Talk with your doctor before getting the vaccine if you have:
Allergy to latex
Epilepsy or other nervous system problem
Severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of any component of the vaccination to be given
Moderate or severe illness (Wait until you recover to get the vaccine.)
What Other Ways Can Pertussis Be Prevented Besides Vaccination?
Isolating those with any contagious disease has long been the main approach to prevent its spread. It is essential, for example, to keep people with pertussis at home until the illness has run its course.
If you have come in close contact with someone who is infected, you may need to take antibiotics.
What Happens in the Event of an Outbreak?
In the event of an outbreak, all people who may have been exposed should be brought up to date with the vaccination. It is important to protect infants by isolating those who have the infection. Diagnosing the disease as quickly as possible can help control future outbreaks.
10/30/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Prymula R, Siegrist C, Chlibek R, et al. Effect of prophylactic paracetamol administration at time of vaccination on febrile reactions and antibody responses in children: two open-label, randomised controlled trials.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a