The Mom Column

Studies say that the protection we receive from the whooping cough vaccine can wear off in only 5 to 10 years.  This vaccine protects us from the highly contagious illness known as pertussis.  Many adults do not think of re-immunizing themselves against disease like this.  Unfortunately unlike our children, we do not have requirements regarding vaccines.

According to AAFP:
A recent national survey revealed that more than three-quarters of adults (76 percent) didn’t know or didn’t think that whooping cough remains widespread in the United States. Many adults (61 percent) are not even aware that there is a vaccine for whooping cough. 

What exactly is whooping cough?  Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory disease causing a persistent hacking cough.  When inhaling you may hear a loud 'whooping' sound.  Thus, the name whooping cough.  It can last for three months and lead to pneumonia.  Symptoms are runny nose, congestion, fever, and severe coughing attacks.  1 in 250 people with whooping cough can develop encephalopathy.  In even rarer cases, pertussis can be deadly.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends talking to your doctor about keeping up with the Tdap booster vaccine.