Pertussis outbreak spreads to Seeley Lake

Here we go, we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of a whooping cough outbreak here in Seeley Lake this week. You may have been hearing about the outbreak in the Missoula high schools. Well, guess what, it's found its way here-high schoolers are good at sharing!

As one of my favorite nurses always says, 'sharing is caring!" In this case, I beg to differ, sharing your whooping cough (AKA pertussis) is not caring, it's just mean!

So, here is what you might need to know:

• Pertussis (the bacteria that causes the whooping cough) is here in our community and it is highly contagious.

• If you have symptoms, you should be checked.

• If you have symptoms, you should not be going to school or work-remember sharing in this case is not caring.

• There is a vaccine, but this outbreak is affecting both immunized and non-immunized people-so be on your guard. Fortunately, those that have been immunized generally have been having mild symptoms only (unfortunately, this can make it more difficult to diagnose).

• Watch for these early stage symptoms: low grade fever, mild cough, watery eyes and runny nose (you got it-symptoms of a common cold). I know, right? This is one of those times that it might not be prudent to 'wait it out' which is likely what you are told every other time you go to your doctor with cold symptoms.

• Late stage symptoms that can last for weeks is typical fits of coughing (followed by the high-pitched whoop sound, or even coughing until you vomit-doesn't that sound fun).

• Be super diligent, especially if you are pregnant, have a child under the age of one, or you are immune compromised.

With that out of the way, let's talk about what we can do as a people and as a community to keep this outbreak to a minimum. Two things:

• If you haven't been vaccinated (for adults, I am talking about the Tdap-includes tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), get your vaccine at the Seeley-Swan Medical Clinic or at Missoula County Health Department.

• Watch diligently for any symptoms and choose not to share! Stay home if you develop a cough, see your provider right away. Remember-SHARING IS NOT CARING!

Be safe, stay healthy and as always-see you at the clinic.