my son has whooping cough. just started his meds today. will i spread whooping c!
Question: My son has whooping cough. just started his meds today. will i spread whooping cough to my coworkers?
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
If your doctor wants you to take the prophylactic antibiotics, you should start them as soon as possible. If you have any symptoms of early pertussis, you should stay home from work. These symptoms resemble a cold- nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. People are contagious from the onset of these symptoms.
Immunization of Health-Care workers: Recommendations of the ACIP and HICPAC
Yes, you can absolutely spread whooping cough not only to your coworkers, but to any of their infant children / family members who can die from whooping cough. Absolutely stay at home as long as possible to avoid transmitting it.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It is most contagious before the coughing starts. I would refrain from going to work for a few days. I would also get the Tdap vaccination if you haven't had one already.
During 2010 several states have reported an increase in cases and/or localized outbreaks of pertussis, including a state wide epidemic in California. There is a vaccine available now for adolescents and adults called Tdap. It is given as a one time booster in place of the regular Td (Tetanus/Diptheria) vaccination to boost the pertussis immunity. Children get the DTaP vaccination through age 4-6 years. After that, the Td vaccination is given. With waning immunity against pertussis later on as a teenager or an adult, the Tdap vaccine is recomended.