PENNSYLVANIA, USA — As cold weather sweeps across the Commonwealth, so do a number of illnesses--including whooping cough, or pertussis.
Dr. Vinitha Moopen with WellSpan Health says the sickness is on the rise in the region. She offers advice to parents on what to do to prevent kids from getting it or keep them comfortable while battling an infection.
The Department of Health recently sent out an alert warning doctors and the public that there is a spike in cases of whooping cough. The bacteria-caused infection is spreading especially among in kids in high school.
"So we are looking out for that, and we did have a positive case, so yes, it is high on our list right now," Dr. Moopen said.
Symptoms for older kids tend to start like a normal cold, but in phase two of the illness, the cough will worsen. Dr. Moopen says sometimes parents will be able to hear the telltale "whooping" sound as kids try to bring in air. Occasionally, the cough can be so bad that it causes children to vomit.
In babies, the symptoms can be extra scary. Infants present as if they cannot breathe, sometimes turning blue.
One of the best ways to protect against whooping cough is through vaccinations. Dr. Moopen recommends that pregnant women, parents and anyone who will be taking care of a baby gets vaccinated.
"And then just the normal childhood vaccines will protect you against pertussis," Dr. Moopen said.
The physician says there was also a significant increase in RSV cases over the holidays that is now leveling out.
Dr. Moopen says concerned parents can always talk to their doctors, nurses and pediatricians about any worries they may have for their child. If your kid needs to be seen by a doctor, click here to make an appointment with WellSpan.