Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is circulating in our area. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), there have been 1060 cases of pertussis in Texas, including several cases in Austin, Travis County, and the Del Valle area. Pertussis is most contagious before cough symptoms begin, and children younger than one year old are most at risk.
The best thing you can do to guard your health is check that you are up to date on your Tdap or DTap vaccines. If you suspect you may have contracted pertussis or came into contact with someone who was diagnosed, you should schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC). Your doctor or APC will evaluate your condition and may prescribe antibiotics if you test positive. If someone in your family has been diagnosed, you may also be prescribed antibiotics without additional medical evaluation.
About pertussis (whooping cough):
- The incubation period, the time it takes to develop symptoms after exposure, is around seven days but can be as long as three weeks.
- Cold symptoms develop in the first week, progressing to intense, uncontrollable coughing fits with or without a "whooping" sound or vomiting after a coughing fit.
- Cough may last three to four months with late treatment or no treatment.
- Fever is nonexistent or very low-grade.
Prevention is your best line of defense
Vaccines are recommended to adults every 10 years, and boosters are available for children and pregnant women, depending on their vaccine history. Tdap may also be a consideration for adult family members who help care for newborns.
- For adults 18-65 years, a routine Tdap is recommended every 10 years.
- For pregnant women, a booster is recommended.
- For children 11 years and up, one booster with Tdap is recommended.
- For children under seven years, The DTaP series is recommended.
To schedule a vaccine appointment at any ARC Clinic or After Hours Clinic, call 512-272-4636.