MISCONCEPTION: PERTUSSIS AFFECTS ONLY CHILDREN

THE ILOILO City Government has declared a pertussis outbreak.

But the idea that pertussis (whooping cough) affects only children is a misconception.

While it’s true that pertussis can be particularly severe and sometimes lifethreatening in unvaccinated infants and young children, it can infect individuals of any age. Gani dapat mag-andam gid!

Pertussis is characterized by uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a “whooping” sound.

Adults and adolescents whose immunity has faded can contract and spread pertussis, especially to those who are too young to be fully vaccinated or who are at high risk for severe illness. This is why vaccination and booster shots for pertussis are recommended not only for children but also for adults, to maintain immunity over time.

Ang pamangkot: Are there enough vaccines available now? Basi wala?!

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. In many countries, pertussis vaccines are given to children as part of their routine childhood vaccination schedule. Adolescents and adults are also recommended to receive a pertussis booster vaccine to protect themselves and to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to infants and those who are not vaccinated or fully vaccinated.

If worse comes to worst, will vaccination against pertussis be made mandatory? Naman?!

Pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and masks can help block these droplets from reaching others. That is why masking can play a role in reducing the spread of pertussis.

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!