Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a kind of respiratory infection. It gets the name “whooping cough” because of the unique sound a person with the condition makes when they take a quick breath in, such as after coughing. However, in older adults, that sound may not be present, which sometimes leads to misdiagnosis. Although most people associate whooping cough with young children, it’s actually most common in adults and adolescents. Because complications of whooping cough include pneumonia and dehydration, it can be a dangerous infection for seniors.
General Information About Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis virus. It is an airborne virus that is spread when someone coughs or sneezes. There is a childhood vaccine for the virus, but it wears off. This is why the infection is more common in teenagers and adults.
Adults don’t usually have severe complications, but infants and young children can die from whooping cough. In adults, the most common complications are:
- Ribs that are cracked or bruised from coughing.
- Hernias in the abdomen.
- Broken blood vessels in the eyes or near the surface of the skin.
Although severe complications are rare in adults, it’s still important that your aging relative receives a booster vaccination for whooping cough if they have not had one for a while. Getting the vaccine not only protects them but also their grandchildren, especially those who are not yet old enough to be vaccinated. The vaccine for pertussis is included in certain kinds of tetanus vaccination.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
The symptoms of whooping cough usually begin within a week to 10 days of infection. At first, it seems like a cold with mild symptoms, like:
- Runny and stuffy nose.
- Eyes that are red and watery.
- Fever.
- Cough.
A week or two after the symptoms first appear, they get worse and the mucus in airways turns thick. This causes a severe cough that can cause the face to turn red or blue and induce vomiting. The senior may also be fatigued.
If your aging relative gets pertussis, home care can help them while they recover. The older adult will need plenty of rest, which means they will be unable to do things around the house. A home care provider can take care of things like cleaning, collecting mail from the mailbox, and taking pets outside. Home care providers can also cook for the older adult and make sure they drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Sources
https://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/whooping-cough-outbreak-seniors-at-risk/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whooping-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20378973
https://www.webmd.com/children/features/the-dangers-of-whooping-cough-pertussis
If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care in Aurora, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
