rently, the CDC recommends that children get doses of the vaccine at the following ages: two months, four months, six months, 15 to 18 months, and four to six years. Preteens and adults are advised to get a booster shot, Tdap, for whooping cough as a means to reduce their risk of infection. Although adolescents may have received the vaccine, immunity from DTaP — the pertussis vaccine — tends to wane by age 11, says the Mayo Clinic. Pregnant women should receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy in order to maximize the protective antibodies passed to the baby.
The most vulnerable group for risk of infection includes infants younger than 1 year old because they do not have the full five-dose series of pertussis vaccinations. Babies are not vaccinated for whooping cough until they are 2 months old. Therefore, it is up to adults to stay up-to-date with their immunizations because they can easily transmit the disease to under-immunized infants. Until an infant receives the first three pertussis immunization, they will be susceptible to the bacterial infection that could kill them. The majority of pertussis-related deaths occur among infants younger than 3 months of age.
If a baby catches whooping cough, they will experience trouble breathing, pneumonia, and in some cases, brain damage or death. Therefore, to keep your baby safe, you will need to protect yourself and your whole family, especially since the pertussis vaccines do not completely cancel out the possibility of getting whooping cough. Here are three easy ways to prevent one of the most common childhood diseases in the U.S.:
3 Ways to Naturally Prevent Whooping Cough
The first line of therapy is to get vaccinated, but since the effects of the pertussis shot tend to wane, it’s important to step up your line of defense with a few daily habits.
1. Take vitamin C
Vitamin C in high doses will help you and your child as they develop a lasting immunity to pertussis. The International Medical Council on Vaccination says most parents report a significant decrease in cough severity within the first 24 hours of proper oral doses. This is because vitamin C addresses the issue of toxin neutralization.
2. Take probiotics
Probiotics can help strengthen a child’s immune system, and it’s the easiest way to ensure that the body contains “healthy” bacteria. High quality probiotics come in different forms, from fruity chewables to coated capsules for adults. The presence of good bacteria is good for you and your family’s health.
3. Stay hydrated and get rest
It’s important to replenish the body with plenty of H2O, to rid the body of toxins and to keep your organs functioning. For the body to fight infection, it needs an adequate amount of water. The spread of whooping cough can attack those with the most vulnerable immune systems, including the young and elderly. Getting the recommended amount of rest will also help you feel good and let your body revitalize itself.