Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series, brought to you by Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. In this series, Dr. Schenker shares his extensive experience in internal medicine and emergency medical services to help you live a healthier, more informed life.
Each blog covers a vital health topic, offering expert advice on preventing and managing common illnesses. Dr. Schenker’s practical tips are designed to empower you, helping you make confident choices when it comes to your health and well-being.
Pertussis Complications
When we think of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, we often picture a strong, nagging cough — but the reality can be much more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are between 10,000 and 40,000 reported cases of pertussis each year in the United States, with outbreaks still happening despite vaccination efforts.
Pertussis can lead to severe complications, especially in babies and older adults. That’s why early medical attention is crucial. Proper treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing into something more serious.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains What is Pertussis
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Josef Schenker, MD further explains that pertussis starts off looking very much like a mild cold but can escalate into severe coughing fits that make breathing difficult.
Common causes include:
- Direct contact with respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face
Typical symptoms to watch out for include:
- Mild cough
- Runny nose
- Fever (usually low-grade)
- Severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound
- Vomiting after coughing
The disease can be particularly dangerous for infants, young children, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains Pertussis Complications
Although pertussis may start off mild, it can become very serious if left untreated. Dr. Josef Schenker emphasizes that complications vary depending on age and general health condition. Let’s take a closer look:
In Babies
- Pneumonia:
Pneumonia is the most common and serious complication in babies with pertussis. Their lungs can become overwhelmed by infection, leading to difficulty breathing, dangerously low oxygen levels, and a need for urgent hospital care. - Apnea:
Apnea is a frightening complication where a baby suddenly stops breathing. Without immediate intervention, this pause can deprive the brain and body of oxygen, putting the infant’s life at serious risk. - Seizures:
Severe coughing fits can cause oxygen deprivation, which may trigger seizures in babies. Seizures are a medical emergency that can have lasting effects if not treated promptly. - Brain damage:
When a baby’s brain doesn’t get enough oxygen for an extended period, it can result in permanent neurological damage. This can affect development and quality of life in profound ways. - Death:
Unfortunately, pertussis can be fatal, especially in very young infants who are too small to be fully vaccinated. Their immune systems aren’t strong enough to fight off severe infections without help.
In Children
- Dehydration:
Prolonged coughing makes it difficult for children to eat, drink, and stay hydrated. Without enough fluids, dehydration can set in quickly, weakening the body and slowing recovery. - Rib fractures:
The violent, repeated coughing associated with pertussis can cause enough physical strain to break a child’s ribs. This adds significant pain and can complicate breathing even further. - Hernias:
Excessive pressure from coughing can also push internal organs through weak spots in abdominal muscles, leading to hernias that may require surgical repair.
In Teens and Adults
- Weight loss:
Because pertussis can suppress appetite and cause difficulty swallowing, teens and adults often experience unintended weight loss during the illness, sometimes leaving them feeling weak and fatigued. - Sleep disturbances:
Persistent nighttime coughing can prevent restful sleep, leading to extreme tiredness during the day. Over time, lack of sleep can affect mental focus, mood, and overall health. - Urinary incontinence:
For some, the sheer force of uncontrollable coughing spells can cause urinary leakage. While it’s often temporary, it can be distressing and affect daily activities.
Josef Schenker, MD stresses that while complications in healthy teens and adults are usually less severe than in babies, they can still be significant and disruptive, impacting daily life and overall well-being.
How to Treat Pertussis
The good news? Pertussis is treatable, especially when diagnosed early. According to Dr. Josef Schenker, treatment can help ease symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection. Here’s how it’s typically managed:
- Antibiotics: Early use of antibiotics like azithromycin or erythromycin can shorten the contagious period and sometimes reduce symptom severity.
- Supportive Care: Rest, hydration, and nutrition are crucial to help the body recover.
- Cough Management: Over-the-counter cough medicines are generally not recommended for young children but can help older individuals find some relief.
- Hospitalization: In severe cases — particularly for infants — hospital care with oxygen therapy, IV fluids, and close monitoring may be necessary.
- Isolation: Staying at home for at least five days after starting antibiotics helps prevent spreading the infection to others.
How to Prevent Pertussis
Because pertussis can be so dangerous, especially for the most vulnerable, prevention is key. Josef Schenker, MD reminds us that it’s far better to avoid this illness altogether than to treat it later. Here’s how you can protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Get Vaccinated: The DTaP vaccine (for children) and Tdap booster (for teens and adults) provide strong protection. Pregnant women are especially encouraged to get vaccinated during each pregnancy to pass immunity to their newborns.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Regular hand washing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing can reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid Contact with Sick People: If you know someone who has whooping cough or a respiratory infection, it’s best to maintain a safe distance.
- Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you have symptoms of pertussis, staying home prevents passing it to others, especially vulnerable populations.
- Keep Your Vaccinations Up-to-Date: Immunity from the vaccine can fade over time, so adults should get a Tdap booster every 10 years.
Ultimately, prevention is much easier — and safer — than dealing with the complications that pertussis can bring.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Whooping cough typically lasts six to ten weeks but can sometimes stretch even longer. It progresses through stages, with severe coughing fits lingering for weeks. Recovery can be slow, especially if treatment is delayed or complications like pneumonia develop.
Pertussis spreads easily through tiny droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread indirectly by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, or eyes, without thoroughly washing hands first.
Infants younger than one year, especially those not fully vaccinated, are most vulnerable. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems also face a heightened risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications if exposed to pertussis bacteria.
Protect Yourself Against Pertussis and Its Complications
Being aware of pertussis and its potential dangers is the first step toward protecting yourself and your loved ones. Taking preventive measures like staying up-to-date on vaccinations and practicing good hygiene can make all the difference in stopping the spread and reducing serious risks.
At Centers Urgent Care, our team, led by Dr. Josef Schenker, is ready to help — whether you suspect you have pertussis, need support managing symptoms, or want to stay current with your vaccinations. With convenient locations across New York, we’re here to provide expert, compassionate care whenever you need it. Your health is too important to wait – contact us today!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
