Does anyone know anything about it?

I have an in home day care.  My daughter started coughing Sunday morning.  By last night she was coughing uncontrollably and says that her chest really hurts.  She spent the day in bed.

Today when one of the dads picked up his child , he said that his wife went to the doctor and was Dxed with Whooping Cough.  I don't know much about it.  Is it dangerous?  How concerned should I be about all of the children I work with?

Jeannie

Jeannie,

Barb works for 7 pediatricians. I'll show her this thread and maybe she can shed some light on this subject.

Jimmers

Pertussis, also known as the whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis;

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Whopping cough vaccine is the "P" in the DPT vaccine (Diptheria, Pertussis and Tetanus) that children should get in three doses before going off to school.

It's treated with antibiotics.

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Hi Jeannie

Typically when a child in a school gets diagnosed with Whooping Cough, the dr that diagnosed it is required to report it to the local health dept .  Then we have to  alert parents that we have a case or cases and the symptoms and what to do if you suspect your child has the disease..  etc although we of course don't name the child.  You may want to contact the doctor that treated the child if the parent allows this or contact the health dept to get some guidelines around when and how to inform the other parents since it is a communicable disease.  



kelly

Whooping cough is highly infectious and in young infants it can kill. Adults can also get it. Most people should have had the immunisation as a child but sometimes need a booster because it can wear off with time.

Whooping cough is characterised by a "whoop " at the beginning of the cough where the child seems to take in a deep gasping breath followed by a coughing fit that can cause difficulty breathing and the child turning blue. However, definite diagnosis can only be made via a blood test and immediate treatment with antibiotics is essential.

Since it is highly infectious, anyone being exposed to it should be checked and treated if necessary. The condition is reportable as an outbreak can prove disastrous.

Please see your doctor if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed as having whooping cough. Even if you have no symptom, its worthwhile getting a blood test to check your immunity status in case you need a booster vaccination.


Jeannie,

You should take your daughter to the doctor immediately and inform the parents of all other children in your care to have them checked out.

Best of luck and I hope no one in your home has caught it !

Sending hugs and strong healing vibes.

Wow! That's scary.  I'll be calling the Dr. tomorrow.

Thanks everyone.

Jeannie

Jeannie,
I just talked to my husband and he said that your first move (besides taking your daughter to the doctor) is to contact the health department.  *If* the doctor reported it (not all follow the law on this), they will give you the guidelines as to what *you* need to do.  Unfortunately adults can be carriers and not actually have the disease.  Then they pass it on to an infant (For example) and the results can be horrible.  If *you* don't have the disease,  I would strongly recommend that you get a booster shot (CDC is now recommending this because their has been a reoccurance of the disease).

As Kelly said, see if you can get the name of the doctor who treated the adult.  Then go to your local public health unit.

What a difference two words make!   When the father of the child whose mom has Whooping Cough dropped her off this morning, the first thing I did was ask about Kelly ( the mom).   His reply was " Oh she's good.  It's Whooping Cough like symptoms."

GOOD LORD!  Those are pretty important words to leave out!  

Thank you all for your concern and advice.  Sorry I was given inaccurate information that I then passed on to you.   Looks like it is just a really bad cough that is being passed at my house.  Thank heavens!

PF wishes!

Jeannie

Jeannie wrote on Feb 18^th, 2009 at 9:35am:

What a difference two words make!   When the father of the child whose mom has Whooping Cough dropped her off this morning, the first thing I did was ask about Kelly ( the mom).   His reply was " Oh she's good.  It's Whooping Cough like symptoms." GOOD LORD!  Those are pretty important words to leave out!   Jeannie

Please see the thread: Have you ever wanted to.....    

Thanks for causing so much stress there, buddy boy! [smiley=hewey.gif]

Speedy recovery to your household Jeannie!

Jennifer wrote on Feb 18^th, 2009 at 10:42am:

Jeannie wrote on Feb 18th, 2009 at 9:35am: What a difference two words make!   When the father of the child whose mom has Whooping Cough dropped her off this morning, the first thing I did was ask about Kelly ( the mom).   His reply was " Oh she's good.  It's Whooping Cough like symptoms." GOOD LORD!  Those are pretty important words to leave out!   Jeannie Please see the thread: Have you ever wanted to.....     Thanks for causing so much stress there, buddy boy! [smiley=hewey.gif] Speedy recovery to your household Jeannie!

ROFL!!  That is exactly what I thought when I read this.  Geeze!!!

Hope everyone is feeling better soon Jeannie.

Beth

LOL!  Yeah... He could use a "bitch slap!"

I sure hope I don't get the cough.  With this disc problem in my neck I don't think it would feel too great.   If it's not one thing.......


Jeannie

Phew ! I am glad it was but a false alarm !

Hope your daughter feels better soon Jeannie  :)