Students: Get a pertussis shot Saturday, September 29, 2012
Student Health Services (SHS) is encouraging students to
schedule a pertussis vaccination. The federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting a rise in
pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the United States. Minnesota
has more than 3,500 cases reported in 2012. View the Minnesota's
Pertussis Epidemic Response document (PDF). SHS staff have seen
cases on campus. Pertussis usually starts with cold-like
symptoms such as a mild cough with low-grade fever. Severe
coughing can begin in a week or two. Unlike the common cold,
pertussis can produce a series of coughing fits that continues
for weeks. Vaccination with Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria and
acellular pertussis vaccine) is the most effective way to
prevent pertussis. Adults should have a booster dose of Tdap. If
you think you have pertussis, or have been exposed to someone
with pertussis, you may need antibiotics to treat or prevent the
disease.