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Show If February 10, 2011 9 Pertussis what you should know SILL ON THE HILL BY CAPT. ANTONIO LEONARD! Chief of Community Health I n an effort to protect the health and well being of you and your family we ask that you read the following. Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract which typically results in cold-like symptoms coupled with spasmodic coughing characterized by a high pitched "whoop" upon inspiration (hence the name "Whooping Cough"). Complications of this disease can include middle ear infections, suffocation, seizures and other neurologic disorders. Newborns (less than 2 months of age) and unvaccinated infants are at the greatest risk of life threatening complications. The best way to prevent pertussis is by immunization. This is typically accomplished before a child reaches 6 months of age; however, if you have never received the vaccine, you can do so at any age. As an adult, there is potential for you to unknowingly contract and spread the disease, even if you were properly vaccinated as a child. In order to decrease the risk of spreading pertussis, it is recommended that you receive a booster shot, especially if you spend time in the company of infants. The next step in preventing a disease such as this is to maintain proper hygiene. U.S. Naval research indicates that washing your hands five times a day (most notably before you eat, after touching surfaces frequently contacted by others or after using the restroom) can decrease the chance of contracting a respiratory disease by 45 percent. This is especially important given the Centers for Disease Control's report that 80 percent of disease is transmitted by touch. In addition, cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow and not into your hands. Remember, adults and adolescents can carry and spread the pertussis bacterium, even if they have no symptoms. For more information on pertussis and how to prevent it — you can call your doctor or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/default.htm . Additionally the 75th Medical Group's Public Health office is always here to help and available at (801) 586-9569. Top, Medea Hendrix works on a toasted oat cereal necklace with her mom, Jennifer Hendrix, at the Chill on the Hill event Feb. 5 at the Hubbard Memorial Golf Course Clubhouse. Above, a marshmallow snowman is assembled. At right, Dustin Angelico spraypaints a snowman. KIM COOK U.S. Air Force SPIKE! attack the ball during a volleyball game with the commanders' team. Commanders took the win after competitive play. Members of the Airman Leadership School, Class 2011-C, ALEX R. LLOYD/U.S. Air Force OMMOINVIMMUMM MO IMO ¥MOMML_ AMMMOIMME MOI F 1111 OMMEAMMOMMO EWA All M OMMEMMEMMOMMONOM riMMON map mmilommemaism Mout! mr,`-1111111MOVIIMMON AMMUMNSAMEMOMlkOM I _ m% #a01111r1VMdMINWEININ 4 |