Before the modern era of naming diseases properly (or as close to properly as we can get), people tended to name the ailments after what they could observe. Kids would get a specific cough that made them gasp for air in between coughs. These gasps sounded like “whoops” and thus the name “whooping cough” was born.
Many diseases had names they used to go by. Tuberculosis used to be called “consumption.” Tonsillitis used to go by “quinsy.” Don’t be fooled by the revisions — those diseases can be just as dangerous today as they were back then.
You might know whooping cough by its modern name: pertussis. It’s a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It spreads through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. It can feel like a simple cold, at least for a little while. But then, it ramps up to intense coughing fits that make kids gasp for air. The sound of those gasps–a “whoop” — is what gives the disease its name.
Older kids and adults might find it more annoying, but it’s a whole different story for infants. Babies that get pertussis can have serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death.
What Are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is sneaky because it starts out like an ordinary cold. During the first week or two of an infection, it can look like a runny nose, sneezing, a slight fever, and a mild cough—nothing too concerning. You might brush off these symptoms as no big deal, but the pertussis bacteria are hard at work behind the scenes – and in the body’s cells.
Things take a turn for the worse as the cough enters the paroxysmal stage. Suddenly, the coughing becomes intense—kids get hit with violent fits that come one right after another, them gasping for air. That “whoop” sound we mentioned before is what happens when the infected child tries to breathe in through a partly closed airway during these attacks. The cough can get so bad it leads to vomiting, a red face, or even fainting. This stage drags on for weeks or months, leaving kids worn out and families desperate for relief.
Pneumonia—a lung infection—is a common complication that makes it even harder to breathe and lands kids in the hospital. In really severe cases, it can lead to seizures, brain damage, or even death.
If the potential lethality wasn’t enough, the constant coughing causes weight loss, dehydration, and even cracked ribs. Parents and doctors must recognize the signs early and get medical help right away to keep things from getting worse.
The Power of Prevention
The best way to keep from getting really sick from pertussis is to give the body a little preparation beforehand. The Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis – and DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis – vaccines stimulate the body’s immune response to the pertussis bacteria. These vaccines are safe, yes, but also prevent severe illness, complications, and transmission. Let’s repeat that: vaccines are safe, and this safety has been reinforced by study after study.
The recommended vaccination schedule for children begins with a series of DTaP shots administered at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months of age, with a booster dose at 4-6 years old. Adolescents and adults should get a Tdap booster every 10 years to maintain immunity. Pregnant women should get a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks gestation, to pass on antibodies to their newborns and protect them during the vulnerable early months.
Immunity from vaccines wanes over time, so kids will need booster doses. Doctors are so strict about staying up to date on vaccinations because a boosted and vaccinated population creates a shield of community immunity. These shots protect the kids getting the vaccines, obviously, but also people who might be too young or are medically unable to receive vaccines.
August is Immunization Month
As National Immunization Awareness Month, August is a good time to think about the real benefits of vaccinations in keeping everyone healthy. This is the month to double check that we’re all staying on top of vaccinations for folks of all ages, whether we’re talking about kids, teens or adults. This is a moment to appreciate how vaccines did wonders in preventing diseases and easing the strain on our healthcare system.
August is a great time to check up on your child’s vaccination records and make sure they are up-to-date. If you have any questions, talking to a pediatrician or healthcare provider could clear them up and help you sort out a vaccination plan that fits your kid’s needs. As we’ve seen countless times, we’re not just protecting our own children—we help the health of our entire communities. Creating this protective ripple effect, vaccines cut down on the spread of diseases and shield those who are more vulnerable.
Talk to a Pediatrician
Whooping cough might be preventable, but it’s still a threat we can’t ignore. Knowing the symptoms, realizing how serious it can get, and trusting in the effectiveness of vaccines are critical to keep our kids and communities safe. August, as Immunization Awareness Month, is a solid reminder to make preventive care a priority and protect our families from this potentially serious illness.
As always, don’t get your healthcare information from a blog on the internet – if you have concerns or questions about your child’s health, vaccinations, or anything else, contact a local pediatrician. If you’re looking for a pediatrician in Eagle River or Anchorage, Latouche Pediatrics is a full provider of pediatric and adolescent medicine for newborns, infants, toddlers, children and young adults in Alaska. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Key Takeaways
- Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be severe, especially in infants.
- The illness often starts like a common cold, but progresses to intense coughing fits with a characteristic, “whoop” sound.
- Vaccines like Tdap and DTaP, are crucial in preventing whooping cough and its complications.
- August is National Immunization Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance and vaccination schedules to protect your child and community.