Pertussis (Whooping cough)
The Porcupine Health Unit has seen a rise in the number of confirmed cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in our region.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis or whooping cough, is a very serious infection of the lungs and breathing airways. It is caused by a germ called Bordetella pertussis. It spreads very easily.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis symptoms start like a common cold. You may have sneezing, runny nose, mild fever. and a mild cough. After one or two weeks the cough becomes worse. You can have coughing fits that last for a few minutes, and it can be hard to catch your breath. The coughing fits can also make you vomit. The cough can last for several weeks or months.
How do you get pertussis?
When a person with pertussis sneezes or coughs, germs can spread through droplets in the air. You can catch pertussis by breathing in the germs of an infected person. You can also get infected by touching an infected surface, and then touching your eyes or mouth. The germs can live for two to five days on dry objects such as clothing, glass, or paper. If you are not up to date with your pertussis vaccination, you are more likely to get pertussis.
If I have pertussis, how long am I contagious?
If you don't finish five days of antibiotics, you can spread germs for weeks. You can spread pertussis even if your symptoms are mild. If you finish five days of antibiotics, you will stop spreading pertussis germs.
To protect others, you should stay home until you have finished five days of antibiotics. Or, if you don't finish the antibiotics, you should stay home for 21 days after the start of your symptoms. You should stay home from childcare, school or work. You should not have any visitors to your home. You should not take part in group activities. You should stay away from babies, young children, and people who are pregnant.
Is pertussis dangerous?
Pertussis is dangerous for babies and young children. Babies who are too young to be immunized, or babies who are not up to date with their vaccinations can get very sick. Complications in babies include:
- vomiting after coughing,
- weight loss,
- pneumonia (an infection in the lungs), and
- seizures, and brain damage.
Babies less than one year old can get so sick they have to be hospitalized.
Pregnant individuals who have pertussis can spread the germs to their baby after the baby is born. To protect newborn babies, pregnant individuals should get a pertussis vaccination between 27 to 32 weeks. A dose is recommended for each pregnancy even if they have received a dose in the past.
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other household members of babies and young kids should get a vaccination if they are not up to date.
Is there treatment for pertussis?
Pertussis is treated with antibiotics. Keep taking the antibiotics until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment too soon could lead to the infection coming back.
If you live in the same house or have been in close contact with someone who has pertussis, you may also be given antibiotics.
How can we be protected against pertussis? What can I do to protect myself?
You can protect yourself against pertussis by getting the vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. In Ontario, pertussis vaccination is a part of Ontario’s Publicly Funded Routine Immunization Schedule. The vaccine is free for all people who live in Ontario. The vaccine is given at:
- two months, four months, six months, and 18 months of age
- four to six years of age
- 14 to 16 years of age
- in adulthood
- in each pregnancy, ideally between 27 to 32 weeks of gestation
Parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other household members of babies and young kids should get a vaccination if they are not up to date. If you miss a vaccine or are due for the next dose, contact your health care provider. If you don’t have a health care provider, contact your local public health unit office.