My child is receiving antibiotics. Antibiotic therapy will reduce the infectiousness of pertussis. Unfortunately, antibiotics will not reduce the severity of the illness. It may take up to 6 weeks for the symptoms to completely go away. My child has special health care needs.
Every child needs to be fully immunized whenever possible.
Medical conditions such as asthma and heart problems could increase the risk of severe complications from pertussis. Immunizations will reduce the chance of these complications. I had chosen not to get my children immunized against pertussis. I am behind in immunizing my children. It is important to get you children in for immunizations as soon as possible.