While the summer brings warmer weather and outdoor fun, this season can also bring with it some sickness, especially when it comes to children. And, one of these illnesses is whooping cough. In fact, this highly contagious respiratory infection has been making headlines in some parts of the United States. So, what is whooping cough, and how can it be prevented?
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that gets into your nose and throat. According to the Mayo Clinic, “it is marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like ‘whoop.’”
Initially, symptoms appear to be that of the common cold – runny nose, watery eyes, nasal congestion, fever and cough – yet, after a week or two, these signs and symptoms worsen and can include prolonged coughing attacks that may cause vomiting and trouble breathing.1
How Can Whooping Cough be Prevented?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination as the best way to prevent whopping cough among babies, children, teens and adults.2
In addition, like many respiratory illnesses, whooping cough is spread by coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others.2 This means that practicing good hygiene is one of the best ways to help reduce its spread. Tips for good hygiene practices, according to the CDC, include covering coughs and sneezes and practicing good hand hygiene, which includes washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Also, be sure to disinfect and clean frequently touched surfaces with a product designed to kill whooping cough. For example, PURELL® Surface Spray products kill whooping cough in 30 seconds.
The following are additional resources that provide tips on how you and your family can stay healthy: