Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1595549.html
Whooping cough reported in Southwest Nebraska
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
MCCOOK, Neb. --Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has investigated a case of whooping cough within the last two weeks. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of whooping cough and to get appropriate treatment. The following information is provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
* Whooping cough is also called "pertussis". It can make you cough for several minutes at a time. After you cough, you might make a "whooping" sound when you breathe in. You might vomit or stop breathing for a few seconds after coughing.
* What causes it? A germ. Other people can get the germ from you. Your doctor can give you a shot to help keep you from getting it. People of all ages can get whooping cough, even if they get the shot.
* How can my doctor tell if I have it? Your doctor may ask you what your cough sounds like and what happens after you cough. You may need special tests to tell for sure if you have it.
* What should I do if I have whooping cough? People with whooping cough should stay at home for five (5) days after beginning the medicine ordered by the doctor. The coughing may last on and off for up to three (3) months, even after taking medicine. Babies younger than one year may need to stay in the hospital to make sure they are eating and drinking enough and breathing normally.
More information may be obtained from your doctor. You may also visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseasein...
"Frequent coughing or continuous coughing followed by a "whoop" sound should be evaluated by your medical provider at the clinic. If shortness of breath occurs or if the patient is an infant who has trouble catching his/her breath, seek medical attention immediately" states Beverly Powers, Surveillance Coordinator with Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.
Children should receive four vaccinations for pertussis by the time they are two years of age. It comes in the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTP) vaccination. The physician may want to see the vaccination record if being seen for suspected whooping cough.
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Furnas, Perkins and Red Willow Counties. www.swhealthdept.com.
Whooping cough reported in Southwest Nebraska
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
MCCOOK, Neb. --Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) has investigated a case of whooping cough within the last two weeks. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of whooping cough and to get appropriate treatment. The following information is provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
* Whooping cough is also called "pertussis". It can make you cough for several minutes at a time. After you cough, you might make a "whooping" sound when you breathe in. You might vomit or stop breathing for a few seconds after coughing.
* What causes it? A germ. Other people can get the germ from you. Your doctor can give you a shot to help keep you from getting it. People of all ages can get whooping cough, even if they get the shot.
* How can my doctor tell if I have it? Your doctor may ask you what your cough sounds like and what happens after you cough. You may need special tests to tell for sure if you have it.
* What should I do if I have whooping cough? People with whooping cough should stay at home for five (5) days after beginning the medicine ordered by the doctor. The coughing may last on and off for up to three (3) months, even after taking medicine. Babies younger than one year may need to stay in the hospital to make sure they are eating and drinking enough and breathing normally.
More information may be obtained from your doctor. You may also visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseasein...
"Frequent coughing or continuous coughing followed by a "whoop" sound should be evaluated by your medical provider at the clinic. If shortness of breath occurs or if the patient is an infant who has trouble catching his/her breath, seek medical attention immediately" states Beverly Powers, Surveillance Coordinator with Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.
Children should receive four vaccinations for pertussis by the time they are two years of age. It comes in the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTP) vaccination. The physician may want to see the vaccination record if being seen for suspected whooping cough.
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department serves Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Furnas, Perkins and Red Willow Counties. www.swhealthdept.com.
