Download Help spread the word about whooping cough

Help spread the word
about whooping cough prevention
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is
caused by an infection with a bacteria.
Whooping cough is a very contagious disease.
What are the symptoms of whooping
cough?
• Whooping cough can start with cold-like
symptoms such as runny nose, mild cough,
and fever
• The cough can become more severe after
1 to 2 weeks with:
– coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe, eat, or sleep
– vomiting after coughing fits
– exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits
– coughing fits that can last for 10 weeks
• Recovery is slow, and fits of coughing
may return
Who can get whooping cough?
Anyone can get whooping cough – infants,
children, teenagers, and adults.
• Whooping cough is most serious for infants.
How is whooping cough spread?
• People with whooping cough usually spread
the disease by coughing or sneezing while
near others, who then breathe in the bacteria
How can you help protect yourself
against whooping cough?
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention states that vaccination is the best
way to help protect against whooping cough.
• Young children are routinely vaccinated
against whooping cough along with
diphtheria and tetanus (DTaP). But
the protection can fade over time
• People aged 11 and older can get a booster
shot called Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and
acellular pertussis). This can help to provide
continued protection against tetanus,
diphtheria, and whooping cough
Vaccination with Tdap may be especially
important for certain people who haven’t
previously received it:
• New mothers, before leaving the hospital
• People in close contact with infants less
than 1 year old (eg, parents, grandparents,
and child-care providers)
• Healthcare workers
If you are pregnant ask your healthcare
provider if Tdap vaccination is right for you.
Vaccination may not result in protection for
every person vaccinated.
• Babies and young children may get whooping
cough from older children or adults who don’t
realize they have it
Ask your healthcare provider if Tdap vaccination is right for you.
This material was developed by GlaxoSmithKline.
©2013 The GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies
All rights reserved.
Printed in USA.
HM3556R0
January 2013