Pertussis is a coughing illness cause by a bacteria called Bordatella pertussis. It is most often seen in young children, although teens and adults may also develop this condition. The first phase of the infection includes one to two weeks of a mild cough, low-grade fever, and watery eyes. The second phase is characterized by more frequent bursts of up to ten violent coughs, the last cough ending in a “whooping” sound as a result of the individual breathing in to catch their breath. A person may feel tired after the coughing episodes, and may also experience fatigue due coughing attacks interrupting sleep. Coughing episodes can also interfere with eating, leading to possible weight loss. Hacking up mucous and vomiting may also be present. If untreated, pertussis can progress to pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs and a more serious condition.
Pertussis vaccines (Infanrix, Daptacel, Tripedia, Pediarix, Pentacel, Boostrix, Adacel), are combination vaccines that also provide protection against other contagious diseases. Some of these vaccines can be given early as 2 months of age. If a person does become infected with pertussis, it may be treated with the antibiotic erythromycin (Ery-Tab). Erythromycin is also prescribed if a person has been exposed to pertussis, but is not immunized.
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