Prevention and Treatments
Childhood immunization has proven to be effective in the past, although it has been found that as someone ages, the vaccine begins to wane. Whooping Cough can be spread through the air if the infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The Whooping Cough can only become contagious after it has been two weeks since the person has begun cold-like symptoms. When the infected person sneezes or coughs near someone un-vaccinated, the germ can spread.
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Types of Vaccines
DTap vaccine: For babies and children aged to up to six. Babies usually have to be two months old before receiving a vaccine, but the vaccine can be given at six weeks old. Children who are 2-6 months old must have one dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months and at 4-6 years. For the first year, this vaccine offers 98% protection but after five years, the percentage drops to only 70% Tdap vaccine: for kids seven years and older, adolescents and adults. Only one does is required for people this age. Prevention The best prevention for this disease would be to get a vaccine. Pregnant women can only be vaccinated after twenty weeks of pregnancy. Other ways to avoid receiving the Whooping Cough would be to wash your hands more often, cough away from others (into your arm) and stay away from school. If you receive cold and flu symptoms and you suspect you may have contracted this disease, consult you local doctor. The diagnosis of this disease can be determined after a nose or throat swab sample or a blood test. Diagnosis can also be confirmed from the doctor witnessing your cough. If someone begins taking antibiotics when they have only just contracted the disease, it is possible for the antibiotics to weaken some of the symptoms, making them more bearable. If you are not protected by a vaccine, you are putting young babies at risk, given they are more vulnerable to contract these diseases. Prescribed antibiotics help kill microorganisms.
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