Para ver este mensaje en español pulse aquí
Tos ferina Infografía - en español
Whooping cough is a very contagious illness that can affect anyone, but it is especially dangerous for babies and young children who are not up to date on their vaccinations. To help keep your family and community healthy, please check if your children’s vaccinations are current.
The best way to protect you and your child from severe illness related to Pertussis is by being up to date on your vaccination. If your young child hasn’t had the DTaP vaccines or your teenager hasn’t had the TDaP vaccine, please talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, please contact public health at 541-265-4112 and we will assist you.
Whooping cough spreads easily from person to person, especially within families. Babies, particularly those under one year old, are at a higher risk for serious health problems. An adult or older child who has the illness can pass it to younger siblings or infants who may not be fully vaccinated. That’s why it’s important for everyone in the family to get vaccinated to help protect its youngest members.
Over time, the protection from the initial vaccines can weaken. Getting booster shots helps restore and strengthen the immune response, making sure everyone stays protected against the disease.
Also, watch for symptoms of whooping cough. First symptoms can include runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and cough.
After a few weeks the cough gets worse and one can experience severe coughing fits, trouble breathing, and a whooping sound when breathing in. If you see these signs, please contact your doctor right away. If you have been in contact with someone who has pertussis, please contact your doctor so you can get assessed and possibly treated.
Thank you for reading this important message. We appreciate your help in keeping your family and community healthy. If you have any questions, feel free to call Lincoln County Public Health at 541-265-4112.
Whooping Cough Infographic - English