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Friday, September 13, 2013

Pediatrics in Littleton: Quick Tips for Preventing Whooping Cough

Andrew M. Seaman wrote in an article in reuters.com last September 13 about the higher risk of children being diagnosed with whooping cough, a.k.a. pertussis, if they are behind their diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DtaP) shots schedule.


Recent reports show that whooping cough cases are on the rise in the US. According to the report, this may be “due to the use of a new type of pertussis vaccine - which has fewer side effects, but is less effective over the long run - and to more children missing or delaying vaccination.” Some parents may think that delaying their children's vaccines and following an alternative schedule is safer, but there is still no evidence that supports this.

For the new study, he and his colleagues compared the vaccination records of 72 children who were diagnosed with pertussis in one of eight healthcare systems between 2004 and 2010 and 288 similar kids who didn't get the disease. All of the children were between the ages of three and 36 months. 

They found out that around 47 percent of the children who are diagnosed with pertussis weren't vaccinated during their right schedule.

It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that children get their DTaP shots at two, four and six months of age, another between 15 to 18 months, and a booster shot when they are four to six years old. Whooping cough is very communicable especially to babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Some babies who get the disease are usually infected by their parents or by people in close contact with them who are not aware that they have the disease.

The key to preventing whooping cough is the pertussis vaccine, which is part of the DTaP immunization. Make sure that your child's pertussis vaccine is current and never outdated. Some pediatrics in Littleton like Focus On Kids Pediatrics also recommend that pregnant women and people around the baby get a DTap vaccine as well to further ensure your baby’s protection.

Once you notice that your child has whooping cough, go to a trusted Littleton pediatrician right away to have your child examined. If pertussis is confirmed, then your child will be given antibiotics for 2 weeks to shorten the duration of the infection.

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