Whooping cough on the rise: Be sure vaccinations are up-to-date

As the new school year quickly approaches, Miami Benefits and Wellness wishes to make everyone aware of the increased number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Ohio and specifically within the southwest Ohio region. 

Pertussis is a common disease in the United States, with outbreaks every three to five years. Pertussis is an infection that affects the airways and is easily spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing.  Its severe cough can last for weeks and sometimes leads to coughing fits and/or vomiting.  Anyone can get pertussis, but it can be very dangerous for infants and people with weakened immune systems.  Family members with pertussis, especially mothers, can spread pertussis to newborns.  Please refer to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for more information on pertussis.

Be sure your vaccinations are up-to-date

Please make sure yours and your family’s vaccinations are up-to-date and contact your primary care physician with any questions/concerns you may have related to pertussis. Protection against pertussis from the childhood vaccine, DTaP, decreases over time. Older children and adults, including pregnant women, should get a pertussis booster shot called “Tdap” to protect themselves and infants near or around them.