Question 1

how does one get pertussis ?

Accepted Answer

Whooping cough:  is highly contagious and is spread among people by direct contact with fluids from the nose or mouth of infected people. People contaminate their hands with respiratory secretions from an infected person and then touch their own mouth or nose.  I highly recommend getting vaccinated every ten years with TdaP (Adacel)  -which is the Adult version of the childhood vaccine.

Question 2

can you get the pertussis injection?

Accepted Answer

Confusing question: Pertussis vaccine is available at any age beyond 2 months. Adults who will be in the proximity of vulnerable newborns are encouraged to receive the tdap, which contains this in an adult form.

Question 3

i think i had the pertussis shot a couple years ago but not sure. is it bad to get it again?

Accepted Answer

No: We don't think so and there is no evidence to suggest otherwise.  Dtap is for kids and tdap is for adults to be re-vaccinated.  What we are finding is that the protection to pertussis fades away as we get older.  As a result of this and children not being immunized, rates of pertussis infection last year reached rates of the 1960's.  Caregivers for small babies should definitely receive booster.

Question 4

took care of my partner; with what we think had pertussis how can i be sure i didn't get it... we live in a small house and share a room?

Accepted Answer

Nasal swab: Pertussis is usually acquired or passed from an infected person through respiratory secretions or inhalation. There is a rapid screening test you can have done at the ER or your local hospital to confirm infection on a short-term basis( less than 1 hour turn-around, less specific than PCR), or a PCR test may be done, but they take longer - a day or so, to get results...

Question 5

i might have pertussis, been coughing a lot; how do i get checked?

Accepted Answer

Make some calls: The proper testing can be done in many outpatient settings.Your doctor, a local urgent care clinic, a county health center , or emergency room can get a specimen and send it for PCR testing. Results are usually available within a few days. Depending on exposure history, some are treated before the results are known.

Question 6

my baby is 3 months can she get her 4month dtap early since i'm worried about pertussis or have 2 wait 4 more wks?

Accepted Answer

Be patient-avoid rsk: That 1st dose at 2 months has giving your baby a good start.Testing over many years show 2 mo between doses as safe & effective in reducing outbreaks & building immunity.6 wks between doses is the minimum & used mostly for catch up.U can reduce risk by shopping at off hours if baby goes with you, avoid crowds&those who won't vaccinate their kids.Also have adults in babies life get booster.

Question 7

what kind of pills or treatment can somebody get for pertussis?

Accepted Answer

Whooping cough: Caused by the bacteria bordetella pertussis.  There are antibiotics that can hasten the resolution, but the best strategy is prevention by getting your pertussis vaccination (usually in the form of dtap for kids, or tap for adults). Pertussis is making a comeback, thanks to those who say vaccines are an unnecessary conspiracy.  Babies have died in outbreaks.
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/pages/nr.

Question 8

diphtheria, tentanus, pertussis immunisations? where can i get them in us?

Accepted Answer

Primary care office: Any primary care doctor should be able to give you the immunization. Or contact the county health department.

Question 9

should i get the pertussis vaccine as an adult?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pertussis is the cause of whooping cough. There has been an increased incidence of whooping cough in the United States. All adults and teenagers should get a pertussis booster. It is very important if you are around infants.

Question 10

when should i get the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus shot?

Accepted Answer

Probably now: If you're like most adults, you probably haven't had a pertussis containing vaccine since  childhood.  Up until six years ago, there wasn't a pertussis containing vaccine in the usa recommended for adults.  The cdc recommends that all adults through age 64 get a single pertussis containing vaccine (tdap) (includes tetanus and diphtheria).  It's also given to those over 65 in contact with infants.

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Doctor answers about:

What happens in your body when you get pertussis

A member asked:

How does one get pertussis ?

A member asked:

Can you get the pertussis injection?

A member asked:

I think i had the pertussis shot a couple years ago but not sure. is it bad to get it again?

A member asked:

Took care of my partner; with what we think had pertussis how can i be sure i didn't get it... we live in a small house and share a room?

A member asked:

I might have pertussis, been coughing a lot; how do i get checked?

A member asked:

My baby is 3 months can she get her 4month dtap early since i'm worried about pertussis or have 2 wait 4 more wks?

A member asked:

What kind of pills or treatment can somebody get for pertussis?

A member asked:

Diphtheria, tentanus, pertussis immunisations? where can i get them in us?

A member asked:

Should i get the pertussis vaccine as an adult?

A member asked:

When should i get the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus shot?

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