[All] Whooping Cough in Waterloo

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi everyone

There is an outbreak of Whooping Cough (pertussis) in Waterloo. The whoop may or may not happen with older youth and adults but an area doctor told me today that a good indicator is when a person coughs so hard they feel like throwing up. That gag feeling is a good indicator for teen/adult symptoms it may or may not manifest. 

The illness starts with cold/flu like symptoms, progresses to coughing fits in approx. 10 days. In kids this condition can stop them breathing. The whoop is the gasp sound they make trying to get air in after the cough.  It can be deadly so please, if you have cold symptoms, limit exposure to kids ASAP, wash hands a lot, cover coughs and make sure that kids are fully immunized. Childhood shots work but they do wear out so be sure your family has their immunization updated and spread the word. The more folks are aware and properly immunized the better. 

Here in Waterloo, we've got lots of folks who may or may not be immunized including Mennonite families, new immigrants and children and infants too young to have had all shots needed to build full immunity so please, if not for yourself, take extra precautions for others at risk. Get immunized and/or update your shots. 

Cough syrup with DM is good if you need to suppress a cough to sleep, but expectorants are the best to help clear up congestion. 

Ironically I'm on day 6 of a cold that started on Monday night. My girls are up to date on their shots and the rest of my gang is symptom free but I'm coughing so I'm taking no chances. Enjoying tea and staying home until I'm full in the clear. 

Take care folks. Spread the word...not the disease. 

Lulu :0) 
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