Pertussis Description

A respiratory disease caused by bacteria.

Symptoms

Runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, cough similar to the common cold.  After 1 - 2 weeks, may progress to stage characterized by bursts of numerous rapid coughs (paroxysms).  A final recovery stage with coughing may last weeks or months.

Complications

Bacterial pneumonia and rib fracture.  Other complications of adult pertussis occur rarely.  Infants are at highest risk for apnea, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, and death.

Transmission

Spread by coughing and sneezing.

Vaccine

Pertussis vaccine (contained in Tdap, DTP, and DTaP) can prevent this disease.

As an adult, do I need the vaccine?

• If you are 19 through 64 years old and have not previously received a dose of Tdap, a single dose of Tdap should replace a single dose of Td for booster immunization if the most recent tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine was received at least 10 years earlier.

• Adults in close contact with an infant aged under 12 months who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is suggested.

• Healthcare personnel in hospitals and ambulatory care settings with direct patient contact who have not previously received Tdap should receive a dose of Tdap; an interval as short as 2 years since the most recent Td is recommended.

for more information see the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.