Whooping Cough: What You Should Know from a Board-Certified Physician

Pertussis, more commonly referred to as Whooping Cough, is on the rise in Western North Carolina counties, including Iredell. The Iredell County Health Department has urged the public to protect themselves. Dr. Judith Prairie, board-certified family medicine physician with Iredell Health System, weighs in.

“Whooping Cough is extremely contagious to begin with,” explains Prairie. “If people do not stay on top of their booster, immunity fades over time, especially if it has been a while since their last TDaP vaccine. It’s estimated that about 80% of people with no immunity will get whopping cough if exposed to an infected person.”

Whooping Cough is spread through droplets by coughing, sneezing, and sharing air space with an infected person. It usually starts like a common cold with symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, congestion, mild coughing, and a fever.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough usually start like a common cold with symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, congestion, mild cough, and fever, but can last up to ten weeks and lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. Whooping Cough, a respiratory infection, gets its name from the hallmark ‘whoop’ sounding cough that is typically present when infected.

“It can be serious for any age group, but the most vulnerable are those under the age of one. They are still developing their immune systems and have not been fully vaccinated against it. Infants typically do not exhibit the traditional ‘whooping’ cough and instead show decreases in their appetite and breathing,” said Prairie.”

Cases of Whooping Cough have decreased over the last century thanks to the widespread availability of vaccines. Vaccinations decrease your chance of becoming infected and typically decrease symptoms if you do contract the illness. Prairie is a strong advocate for vaccinating against Pertussis.

“The best protection by far is vaccination. Hand washing and wearing a mask around infected people may help.”

The Tdap vaccine, or DTaP for infants and children, protects against three deadly illnesses.

Tetanus: causes painful stiffening of muscles

Diphtheria: causes difficulty breathing and paralysis

Pertussis: Whooping Cough

“People are usually vaccinated against these during routine childhood immunizations and women are vaccinated every pregnancy once during the third trimester. It is recommended that all adults receive a Tdap once every ten years or after five years in case of dirty wound or burn.”

The Iredell County Health Department offers vaccinations at both the Statesville and Mooresville locations. Payment for vaccines can be private pay, Medicaid, or BC/BS & Cigna commercial insurance. Some clients may meet eligibility criteria to receive state-supplied vaccines at no cost to them.

Dr. Judith Prairie is accepting new patients of all ages at Family Care Center of Mooresville. Call 704-360-6580 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit fccofmooresville.com.