A limited number of reportable cases of pertussis, also called “whooping cough,” have been identified on our campus. We are taking precautions to prevent future infections. However, we want all faculty, students, and staff to be informed about the symptoms of pertussis prevention methods and how to protect and care for yourself if you are exposed and/or diagnosed.
What is Pertussis or Whooping Cough?
Pertussis is caused by bacteria infecting the mouth, nose, and throat. It is spread through the air by coughing. Symptoms can appear 5 to 21 days after infection. Usually, only close contacts of someone with pertussis may become infected. Pertussis may start with cold-like symptoms (i.e., sneezing/runny nose) followed by a cough that can gradually become worse. Others may develop the cough without any cold symptoms at all. Those with Pertussis are most contagious during the beginning, cold-like stage and the first 2 weeks after cough onset. The cough usually develops into “coughing fits,” which can make one gag or even vomit. Between these “coughing fits” the person appears well. There is generally no fever and coughing may last four weeks or longer.
Is there a way to protect myself from Pertussis?
If you experience cold symptoms followed by a cough, it may be necessary to be evaluated by a healthcare provider for pertussis. Tell them that pertussis has been reported in your school.
If you have been seen by a medical provider and Pertussis was suspected, please stay at home for the first 5 days of the appropriate antibiotic treatment or until test results are known. The most accurate test for diagnosing pertussis is a swab placed through the nose called a nasopharyngeal swab. Appropriate antibiotics given early may minimize severe symptoms and prevent further spread of the disease. Please observe yourself for the above symptoms for the next 3 weeks. Adults, teens, and vaccinated children often have milder symptoms that may be confused with bronchitis or asthma.
There is a pertussis vaccine. However, vaccine protection begins to fade in older children. If you are uncertain of your immunization history, you can log into the Charger Health Portal, click on the “Immunization” tab, and it will share with you your immunization history. This information is only available if you have lived in the state of Alabama for a number of years.
The pertussis booster “Tdap” (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis booster) is available for children, 11 years and older, and adults. The Alabama Department of Public Health strongly recommends that all adults receive the Tdap vaccine if not vaccinated in the last 10 years. Please discuss the need for a Pertussis booster with your healthcare provider. If you do not have a local healthcare provider, testing and treatment are available at our on-campus clinic. Tdap boosters can be obtained at your PCP, most pharmacies, and UAH Health Services. The UAH- sponsored Student Health insurance plan and employer-sponsored insurance plan covers vaccines and booster shots at 100% at our on-campus clinic. The clinic is also in-network for most other Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Tricare healthcare insurance plans.
Finally, we are also including an Alabama Department of Public Health Pertussis notification. It does include more information and details for children under the age of 11 years old. (Babies under one year of age and unvaccinated small children are more likely to have severe illness from pertussis.) For any questions, you can contact UAH Health Services at shc@uah.edu or 256-824-6775. We do ask all faculty members to remind their students of this information. Again, we are taking precautions and we encourage you to do the same.