Whooping cough is growing in Kern County. Protect yourself and your children!

Why whooping cough is serious:

Whooping cough (also know as pertussis) is a contagious disease that can be passed easily from person to person. it is very serious for babies and can cause them to cough so much that they cannot breathe. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for whooping cough, and some die from it.

Whooping cough can cause adults or teens to have severe coughing that leads to vomiting or broken ribs. They can be hospitalized for pneumonia and miss weeks of work or school. Even worse, they can spread whooping cough to the babies at home.

Ways to protect yourself and your family:

•   Get your tetanus booster (Tdap)
     Everbody in the family should be immunized against whooping cough
     to protect themselves and the baby at home. Parents should ask
     their doctor for the new Tdap vaccine that includws a tetanus and
     diphtheria booster and also protects against whooping cough.

•  Make sure your children are up-to-date on their immunizations
    Children 10 years and older can also get the new Tdap booster. 
    Infants and toddlers need four shots against whooping cough
    and a booster before starting kindergaren.

•  Cover your cough and wash your hands
    Whooping cough is spread by coughing. Remind everone to cover
     their mouths when coughing and wash their hands often.

For more information, please call (661) 868-0306
or visit www.kernpublichealth.com