 Friday, June 21, 2024
Learn how to prevent whooping cough
 Since April, cases of whooping cough/pertussis have been increasing in several counties in Kentucky, most notably Fayette which is experiencing an outbreak. While Louisville has had a few sporadic cases, it is important to understand the disease and the best way to protect yourself, loved ones and the community.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that primarily affects young children and infants. It is an infection caused by a bacteria named Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes near others. Pertussis is characterized by extreme coughing fits that lead to the person gasping for air and making a “whooping” sound. Infants and small children are most at risk of hospitalization if they get whooping cough because their respiratory systems are still growing and developing.
Symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within seven to 10 days after exposure. At first, the disease resembles a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough. However, after one to two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and can lead to intense coughing fits. These coughing fits can cause vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing.
The most effective way to prevent getting sick with whooping cough is through vaccines. The DTaP vaccine, which provides protection from diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is administered to children in a series of doses starting at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, at 15 through 18 months, and at 4 through 6 years. Until children get all of their doses of the vaccine they are still vulnerable, so it is important to keep them separated from others if they show symptoms. A Tdap booster is recommended for adolescents and adults.
If you think you or your child may have whooping cough, please consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
We offer the DTaP vaccine for children as well as the Tdap booster for adolescents at our Newburg and Dixie clinics by appointment. If you have questions and would like to schedule an appointment, call 502-574-5380. Language assistance is available.
En Espanol
Please view a Spanish translation about our whooping cough guidance for child care facilities.
Learn more about who we are and what we do
Calling all dads: Resource fair
will provide healthy tools to help fathers
 Empowering Dads: A Fatherhood Resource Fair will help fathers get connected to a variety of service providers in areas such as healthcare, fitness, child support, financial empowerment, parenting and mental health at 6:30 p.m. on June 24 at the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA, 1720 W. Broadway. Admission is free.
Guest speaker Lance Newman, also known as ‘Mr. SpreadLove,' will talk about the importance of advocacy and support for fathers in the community. The event will also feature prizes and refreshments.
For more information and to RSVP for the event, please call (502) 262-8668.
There's still time to take our community
health improvement survey
Please take our survey. We want to know what you think our community needs to improve overall good health and wellbeing. The survey is available in several languages. Your survey responses will help us understand and plan for programs, services, and solutions to help people live their best lives.
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