Survey: Many People Unaware Whooping Cough Is Widespread In The U.S.

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Despite public health campaigns to let the general public know that pertussis is still a major health issue, many people feel that the infection also known as whooping cough, was eradicated 30 years ago and is no longer a problem.

According to an American Academy Of Family Physicians survey, 76 percent of patients do not know that pertussis is widespread in the United States, and 61 percent do not know a vaccine was available back in 2006.

The CDC recommends greater use of the Tdap to replace the old tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccine.  This is because pertussis is still a serious threat.  In teens, it can cause what is called the "hundred days cough" and for parents with infants at home, there is danger of spreading whooping cough to the baby.