What it means
A bacterial infection spread by droplets. It starts like a cold and then causes long fits of coughing that can end with a high-pitched "whoop" as the person breathes in, or with vomiting. It is most dangerous for babies, who may stop breathing instead of coughing. Vaccines protect against it: DTaP for children and Tdap for adolescents, adults and each pregnancy.
For the nurse
Use droplet precautions until the client has had 5 days of the right antibiotic. Teach that Tdap is given during each pregnancy (weeks 27 to 36) to protect the newborn, and that people who will be around a baby should be up to date.
At a glance
| Spanish | tos ferina |
|---|---|
| Also written | whooping cough |
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
infant
A baby from birth to 1 year of age.
immunization
The process of making a person protected against a disease, most often by giving a vaccine.