Cover your cough…

Pertussis is rearing its ugly head once more; the San Juan County Health Department has confirmed separate case on Orcas and San Juan. My hardworking mom, or officially the Personal Health Services (Nursing) Manager, Susan Leff  has all the answers…

Unfortunately this isn’t the first run in we’ve had with Pertussis recently, there was a big outbreak last fall. Let’s not get sick when the weather is so beautiful (or preferably at all)…

Not sure if that nasty cough is Pertussis? 

“Trust your instincts” is the recommendation from one family who is struggling with coughing spells of Pertussis. If you are concerned that you or your child’s cough is not going away, don’t wait; call your health care provider and ask to be tested for Pertussis. You can listen to what the cough sounds like here, but in general if the coughing worsens and lasts for 7 days or more with gagging for breathing difficulties, it’s most likely Pertussis. Even if you feel fine between coughing spells, it doesn’t make you any less sick.

Protecting yourself and those around you…

The SJ County Health Department has the Tdap vaccine available on a sliding scale. Pertussis affects people of all ages which is why the vaccine is recommended for all adults as well as a booster for adolescents at 10-11 years of age.  Young children need three immunizations and two booster doses to be protected.

I’m a healthy adult, why should I get vaccinated? 

You know how fast word travels around the island? It’s even faster with germs. You or someone around you may realize they are sick for a few days, which is when the virus is most contagious. To help protect people who can’t receive the vaccination such as infants, it’s very important to get vaccinated yourself, especially if you spend time with young children. Besides, the needle part itself is over before you know it, whereas you can stay sick for weeks if you catch Pertussis.

So…you want to stick a needle in my arm? Does it even work?

In the straight numbers, the vaccine is 70% effective. That means for every 10 people vaccinated and exposed, only 3 will get sick. But one thing that percentage doesn’t reveal is that of the previously vaccinated people who do contract Pertussis, the illness is less severe. Their symptoms will be shorter and they have a reduced risk of more serious outcomes.

For information about Pertussis or for low cost Tdap vaccine, please call the your health care provider or San Juan County Health Department at 378-4474.

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