At 8:30 this morning, Littleton High School administration shared a letter from Tri-County Health announcing the possibility of pertussis exposure in the school, also known as whooping cough. Heritage High School also had a whooping cough exposure earlier in the school year.
Whooping cough is an airborne disease and symptoms include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a cough that sounds like a “whoop.” It’s possible that it could cause more serious illness in anyone but it’s really only dangerous to babies.
What is the best way to prevent yourself from getting whooping cough? Research from the Center for Disease Control says that vaccination is the strongest way of prevention. The Colorado State government also requires the Tdap or DTap vaccine for all K-12 schools. Students are also required to have Tdap before entry to 6th grade. Washing your hands often and covering coughs and sneezes is another good way to prevent germs from spreading.
If you are sick with any symptoms of whooping cough, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, and don’t go to school.
