Teeth, a first step and pertussis
Today Cordelia took her first steps. This morning when I dropped her off at school, she stood and adjusted her stance by sliding her right foot forward about an inch or two. She wasn't holding on to anything at the time. She cruises just fine
( Read more... )
http://www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/WhoopingCough/GeneralInformation/
Pertussis infection is caused by a gram-negative bacterium called Bordetella pertussis which is found in the back of the throat of an infected person. The incubation period is seven to ten days but the infectious period can be from seven days to three weeks after the onset of typical symptoms.
Pertussis has the highest incidence in infants. Young infants are at highest risk of severe complications, hospitalisation and death. Adults and older children are often the source of infection for younger siblings at home.
Protection against whooping cough infection is not life-long and even after natural disease, individuals can get re-infected and spread infection to others. The same is true after whooping cough vaccination, although infection in fully vaccinated individuals is normally very mild. Because of this, the disease still continues to occur in cycles despite the high coverage of the vaccine.
...more info on the page about waning immunity - vaccine is intended only to protect when you're most vulnerable.
This year is a big year on the 4 year cycle for whooping cough. It's a really big deal here in public health.
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