Charlotte, North Carolina — According to Centers for Disease Control authorities, incidences of pertussis or “whooping cough” in the United States are cyclical, but they are currently finding instances in all age categories, primarily in school-aged children and infants, with a significant increase in North Carolina.
“The whooping cough seen in newborns and young children might cause them to lose their breath. Dr. Karen Landers, a public health expert, described the cough as “extremely severe.”
Whooping cases peak every three to five years as the number of vulnerable individuals in the population grows.
Health officials believe the infectious bacterial infection is becoming more common. This time last year, North Carolina had only 83 cases.
Right now, that figure stands at 576. More than 25,000 instances have been reported nationwide, up from 5,404 last year, or a 460% increase. It often affects young school-aged children, but medical professionals say adults are also reporting symptoms.
“Anyone can have it. Meredith Littell, Nursing Director for the Rowan County Health Department, stated that anyone might be affected. “So, when we have pregnant ladies come in, we recommend that they have a TDAP (shot) with each pregnancy, not just to protect themselves, but also to protect the unborn kid. It is also recommended that close family members who may be caring for the newborn be up to speed on the TDAP.
According to Littell, physicians encourage everyone to keep up with their vaccinations, such as TDAP, which contains whooping cough.
“It’s not going to be 100 percent protection, but it’s going to give you more protection than if you don’t get it,” according to Littell.
Doctors advise that being healthy and immunized is not only helpful for you.
“Your grandparents will thank you if you don’t bring your respiratory virus to them,” Landers told me. “Your grandkids will appreciate you. Similarly, if your grandchildren or children are unwell all year, they will be taken to other regions.”
According to health officials, pandemic measures such as hand washing and social separation may help lower the risk of infection.