HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On Aug. 28 the Christian County Health Department informed parents of Christian County High School students that a case of whooping cough was reported at the school, and other students may have been exposed.
The health department advises that if students have a cough, they should stay home from school and activities and see a doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor determines that the child does not have whooping cough, parents should obtain a note from the doctor to allow your child to return to school and activities.
Beth Campbell, an epidemiology nurse with the Christian County Health Department, says the best prevention against whopping cough is vaccination. “While vaccines don’t provide 100 percent protection, they are the best line of defense and protection against vaccine preventable illness and diseases.”
Campbell further explained that whooping cough, or pertussis, can be particularly severe for young children due to its respiratory symptoms and the fact that it spreads easily. “The best line of defense is to get your Tdap vaccines as recommended by the CDC and know the signs and symptoms in case of exposure,” said Campbell.
Some common symptoms of whooping cough are:
- Runny nose
- Low grade fever
- Mild, occasional cough
- Fits of rapid coughing that may lead to vomiting
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