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A Resurgence of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness, is surging across the United States, with reported cases rising 4.5 times compared to last year, according to the CDC. For newborns, whooping cough poses a significant threat, making it essential for parents to set clear health boundaries with visitors.
“Babies are very vulnerable in the first six months of life,” said Dr. Rachel C. Orscheln, medical director of ambulatory pediatric infectious diseases at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “We try to have multiple layers of protection around them.”
Understanding the Risks
Whooping cough, caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, spreads through airborne droplets, often mimicking common cold symptoms in its early stages. The illness can have severe consequences for infants under one year of age, with nearly one-third requiring hospitalization. Tragically, most pertussis-related deaths occur in this age group.
Steps to Protect Your Baby
The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that everyone in close contact with a newborn be up to date on their pertussis vaccinations, including a Tdap booster for adults and teens every 10 years. Immunity takes about two weeks to develop after vaccination.
“Since pertussis is most serious in those less than one year of age, anyone who has close contact with infants should be up to date with their vaccine,” said Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of California, Davis.
Additional precautions include:
- Asking visitors with cold-like symptoms to postpone visits.
- Encouraging mask-wearing and good hand hygiene for those who must be near the baby.
- Explaining the importance of these measures to friends and family, even if it feels challenging.
Navigating Conversations With Visitors
For new parents, setting boundaries can be difficult, especially when loved ones may not share the same perspective on health precautions. Dr. Blumberg emphasizes the importance of clear communication. “Parents are responsible for protecting their babies, so I hope they are comfortable with making decisions that are reasonable for them and expect others to respect their roles as parents.”
Parents can also address common questions:
- Aren’t mothers and babies already vaccinated? While pregnant mothers who receive a Tdap booster significantly reduce their baby’s risk of pertussis, infants aren’t fully vaccinated until after their six-month DTaP series.
- Can adults get whooping cough? Yes. Adults, especially those with underlying lung conditions or those over 45, are at risk and can spread the illness to newborns.
- What if someone doesn’t remember their last vaccine? Visitors unsure of their vaccination status should check with their doctor and consider getting a Tdap booster.
Prioritizing Safety
The resurgence of whooping cough is a reminder of the importance of vaccination and vigilance. “Almost all cases are transmitted by people who are symptomatic,” Blumberg said, adding that early cold-like symptoms could still pose a risk to infants.
For parents, setting firm but kind boundaries with visitors is a crucial step in ensuring their newborn’s safety. “The baby will still be there, smiling and waiting to meet them, when they feel better – and that will help everyone feel better,” Orscheln concluded.
