Sunday 26 September 2021

Can Whooping Cough be Life-Threatening?

Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious infection that usually causes severe coughing fits that sound like “whoop” followed by a high-pitched intake of breath. It is a respiratory disease that produces cold-like symptoms at early stages, such as runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, low-grade fever.  The symptoms may vary in different patients. In fact, it does not present any serious symptoms for most adults. However, it can present severe symptoms in children. So, if you or your child is suffering from constant coughing, it is best to get medical testing in NJ for a diagnosis.

 


Pertussis (whooping cough) primarily affects young children under the age of 7. But, it can also cause potentially life-threatening complications for teenagers, pregnant women, and adults after their immunization shot’s effect have worn off. it is highly contagious and can easily infect a dozen people from a single cough. Luckily, it is preventable with vaccination. So, if you have been diagnosed or suspect having whooping cough, you can get vaccinated at any walk-in urgent care clinic in New Jersey

Why is it Dangerous?

Whooping cough can cause violent coughing fits that may make it very difficult for the individual to breathe. It can often last more than 12 weeks. The violent cough may also present a risk of rib fractures and even death in babies. So, if you have any children under the age of 7 or you experience any symptoms of whooping cough, visit a vaccination clinic in NJ for the pertussis vaccine. As per CDC, the vaccination is the most effective way to combat the risk of whooping cough infection.


Who Needs to get the Pertussis Vaccination?

As per the experts, the primary cause of whooping cough outbreaks is the failure to vaccinate. Therefore, it is recommended that children, young adults, and old age people get vaccinated to prevent the infection. As per CDC, it is recommended for children under 1-2 years old and 4-6 years old to receive 3 shots of diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (Pertussis) vaccine shots in NJ. Children aged 11-12 should be given Tdap vaccine to build immunization. For adults, it is recommended to get booster shots every 10 years to maintain immunity. 

Due to regular vaccinations, outbreaks of whooping cough are rare in the United States. However, there is an increased risk of infection in developing countries that suffer from a lack of proper vaccination facilities. So, if you have any plans of traveling to a developing country, it is recommended to visit a walk-in urgent care clinic in New Jersey to get a checkup before traveling. After a physical exam, your doctor may determine if you need the vaccine shot for Pertussis.

 If you need to get vaccinated or have any queries, get in touch with our healthcare experts.

 

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