Whooping Cough Now An Epidemic, Tips to Protect Families

Whooping cough has been declared an epidemic in California. A highly contagious disease, the intense coughing can lead to broken ribs, vomiting, pneumonia, and in some cases death. Infants are most at-risk, where babies cough so much that they cannot breathe.
Whooping cough is preventable and can be managed so that individuals exposed have less ill effects. Here are three ways that families should consider to prevent or to lessen effects of the whooping cough:

1. Get a Tetanus Booster - Everyone in the family should make sure they have the latest version of the Tdap booster shot to address the current strain of whooping cough.
2. Be clean and covered - Wash you hands often and cover your mouth when you cough, preferably with an inner elbow, to contain the whooping cough or other contagious elements
3. Call your doctor - If you have a lingering cough, and especially if it is causing you pain, call your doctor and get some help.

BREATHE LA is also participating in nationwide assistance with COPD management. Please contact BREATHE LA at (323) 935-8050 x237. For more information, visit www.LearnAboutCOPD.org, the website for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's COPD Learn More Breathe Better(R) campaign.

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