Fortunately, the federal Centers for Disease Control is able to predict the type of influenza virus that is likely to affect our country each year, and drug companies are able to develop a vaccine to prevent the virus from making us sick. Vaccine for the coming flu season will be available at the County Health Department and at select community sites after Oct. 1. Whooping cough strikes locally Two children with confirmed cases of whooping cough, and several children with whooping cough symptoms, were treated in Josephine County this summer. Whooping cough, or Pertussis, can be prevented through immunization. Parents should check their children's immunization records to be certain that they are up to date on all their vaccinations.
Whooping cough can have serious complications, such as pneumonia, brain dysfunction and seizure.
Worldwide, whooping cough causes 300,000 deaths each year. Whooping cough may begin with a mild fever, runny nose, sneezing and an occasional cough. The coughing gradually becomes more severe, and during a coughing spell, breathing may become difficult and vomiting may occur. Whooping cough is highly contagious. Individuals with suspicious symptoms or who have been exposed to whooping cough should contact their doctor or health care provider for treatment.