Prevention of Pertussis
Pertussis is also known as "whooping cough" and can cause serious complications in young children. The bacteria Bordetella paratussis or Bordetella pertussis causes it. These bacteria attach to cells in the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and damaging the airways. You may experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and coughing. Contact with infected persons saliva and mucus can spread the disease through coughing, sneezing, or other close contact.
Pertussis tends to be most prevalent in infants and children under five years old. The United States reports approximately 10,000 pertussis cases each year. However, the true number is probably much greater. Pertussis incidence is highest in children under six months of age. In fact, 90% of all deaths occur in these infants. Adolescents and adults can also get pertussis in some countries.
Pertussis Causes
Bordetella and Bordetella Parapertussis are the main causes of pertussis. The bacteria Bordetella parapertussis and Bordetella pertussis attach to cells in the respiratory tract, releasing toxins which cause inflammation and damage. Contact with infected persons saliva and mucus can spread pertussis. This is done through coughing, sneezing and other close contact. Poor hygiene, insufficient nutrition and living in overcrowded areas can all increase your risk of getting pertussis.
Pertussis Treatment
Pertussis treatment depends on how severe the condition is. To reduce symptoms and prolong the life expectancy of pertussis, antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin are often prescribed. In severe cases of the disease, especially in infants and children, hospitalization is sometimes necessary to provide support care including intravenous fluids and supplemental oxygen. A tracheostomy might be necessary in rare instances.
Progresses in Pertussis Treatment
Modern medical advances have allowed for the creation of more efficient vaccines against pertussis. Current vaccine includes components from bacteria thought to cause the disease. It also stimulates the immune system to make antibodies to the bacteria. All children should be vaccinated, as well as adults. Those at highest risk are advised to get booster shots every 10 years.
Prevention of Pertussis
Vaccination can prevent pertussis. All children and adults should be vaccinated. Those at highest risk are advised to get booster doses every 10 years. Good hygiene practices such as hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and not coming in contact with sick people can reduce the chance of getting infected.
There are many strategies to reduce the chance of getting pertussis. These include routine vaccines. To protect the baby's immune system, pregnant mothers should be vaccinated in their third trimester. It is recommended that breastfeeding be done because breastfeeding protects the baby and boosts the immune system. Healthcare providers must ensure their patients have the most recent immunizations.
Conclusion
Pertussis can cause serious complications in young and old children. Pertussis can be prevented by vaccination. However, other preventative strategies such as good hygiene and making sure that all pregnant women get the vaccine in their third trimester are also important. This potentially fatal disease can be reduced by educating the public and taking preventative steps.