Multiple Cases of NJ Students Diagnose with Whooping Cough

With recent diagnoses of whooping cough in two New Jersey school districts, the doctors at Care Station Medical Group urge everyone to make sure that they, and everyone in their families, are vaccinated to prevent this and other contagious and potentially dangerous illnesses.

Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness known to cause a severe hacking cough to those infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many babies who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not know they are carrying the disease. Students in Chatham High School and Summit School District have recently been diagnosed with the illness, and now is the time to make certain that all precautionary measures are taken and ensure everyone up-to-date with their vaccinations.

“Pertussis, much like influenza, is highly contagious and can spread quickly through coughing and sneezing,” said Dr. Richard Bezozo, CEO of Care Station Medical Group. "It is extremely important that you and your children are up-to-date with the pertussis vaccination and boosters, among others, especially with recent cases in New Jersey school systems. We know that schools are a very likely place to catch an illness, and the most effective preventative measure is vaccination.”

Whooping Cough symptoms usually occur seven to ten days after you are infected, and initially mimic symptoms of the common cold. Some of the early signs include nasal congestion, fever, cough and red, watery eyes. Within two weeks, symptoms can become worse, with longer coughing fits associated with a whooping noise. These coughing fits can last up to 10 weeks or more and can lead to more serious complications such as vomiting, red or blue face and extreme fatigue, and occasionally long-term problems like cracked ribs or pneumonia.

Compromised immune systems from any illness also opens the potential to catch other severe illnesses, like the flu. New Jersey is among one of the states being hit the hardest this flu season, with the height of the season currently in full swing. Protection against all active illnesses is imperative at this time of year.

“Vaccinations that combat pertussis are the only way to ensure protection for your children, plus it also helps prevent them from diphtheria and tetanus,” Dr. Bezozo. “Since pertussis can be more life-threatening in infants then adults, I strongly advise everyone to confirm they have been administered this immunization to protect themselves and others and take the necessary preventative measures if they have not.”

Pertussis, flu and other vaccinations are available now at all of Care Station Medical Group’s locations. For a full list of available vaccinations, visit https://carestationmedical.com/immunizations/.

No appointment is necessary at Care Station in the Linden, Secaucus, Springfield and West Orange locations, but appointments may be scheduled ahead of time. For appointments at any Care Station location, please call 908-925-2273.

About Care Station Medical Group:

Quality primary, urgent and occupational care, along with extended hours, is available at four Care Station Medical Group locations, in Linden, West Orange, Springfield and Secaucus. No appointment is necessary for your urgent medical care needs at Care Station. Affiliated practices in Garwood and Succasunna provide primary care by appointment only. Care Station Medical Group accepts most insurance plans and has provided exceptional care to its patients since 1990.

For more information on vaccinations, to make an appointment, or other medical information, visit CareStationMedical.com.