(Lewiston, ID) Respiratory illnesses including Pertussis are currently circulating. To prevent the spread of illness to others, it is important to stay home when you are ill, unless you are seeking care with your primary care provider. Additionally, remember to use respiratory etiquette; cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
If you are displaying symptoms of Pertussis or have been exposed to a case, it is important to reach out to your primary care provider to arrange for testing and treatment.
Pertussis is a communicable disease that is spread through the air from an infected person during coughing, sneezing or talking. Pertussis begins with cold-like symptoms and a cough that becomes progressively worse over 1-2 weeks. Coughing usually happens in long bouts, sometimes followed by a whooping noise. Antibiotics can make the disease milder in those infected and will prevent the transmission of the illness to others. Individuals exposed to pertussis should also be given antibiotics to prevent the disease, even if they were vaccinated.
Children should get 5 doses of pertussis containing vaccine Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), one dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age. Adolescents and adults need protection from pertussis too. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) is recommended to be given as a one-time booster dose for adolescents ages 11-12. Adults are also recommended to get one dose of Tdap vaccination followed by a booster dose every 10 years. Pregnant women are recommended to receive the Tdap vaccine in each pregnancy, prior to delivery.
Adults seeking to receive a Tdap booster can reach out to a local pharmacy or your primary care provider.
If you are displaying symptoms, please call your health care provider.
For all other questions, please contact Public Health – Idaho North Central District at 208-799-3100.