Whooping cough -- early intervention is the key Published July 31, 2012 By Lt. Col. (Dr.) Michael Landes 71st Medical Group VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- By The death of a 4-week old infant in Enid, Okla., has heightened awareness and concerns about the prevention and treatment of whooping cough. The 71st Medical Group is dedicated to providing beneficiaries with all the tools they may need to protect themselves from this disease. Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It is only found in humans and is spread from person to person. People with whooping cough usually transmit the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms and may include a mild cough or fever. After one to two weeks, severe coughing can begin. Unlike the common cold, whooping cough can become a series of coughing fits that continue for weeks. Whooping cough may be treated with antibiotics; however, early intervention is the key. If started early -- prior to coughing fits -- treatment may make the infection less severe as well as decrease the possibility of spreading the disease. Effective early recognition and intervention are necessary for stopping the spread of whooping cough. Treatment after three weeks of illness, even if still symptomatic, is unlikely to help because the bacteria have already done damage to the body. The best way to prevent whooping cough among infants, children, teens and adults is to get vaccinated. Infants and other people at high risk for whooping cough complications should be kept away from infected individuals. Getting vaccinated with Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis -- Tdap -- at least two weeks before coming into close contact with an infant is especially important for families and caregivers of new infants. In Oklahoma, all children entering the seventh and eighth grades are expected to have current Tdap documentation. As whooping cough circulates the community, there is a chance that even a fully vaccinated person, of any age, can catch this very contagious disease. The good news - if you have been vaccinated, the infection is usually less severe. If you or your child develops a cold that includes a severe cough or a cough that lasts for a long time, it may be whooping cough. The best way to know is to contact your doctor. Those requiring vaccination can contact the Immunizations Clinic at 580-213-7209. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The Immunizations Clinic is closed on the second and fourth Thursdays each month after 2 p.m. for medical readiness training.