Deadly Victorian disease returns in the U.S.—Are you at risk?
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In a time of incredible medical advancements, it's shocking to think that diseases from the past can still threaten us today. One family’s heartbreaking story serves as a reminder that old dangers can resurface when we least expect them.
Could this Victorian-era illness be making a comeback?
The Alcaide family's world was turned upside down when their baby boy, Brady, suddenly fell ill and tragically passed away from a disease many believed was a thing of the past.
What started as mild symptoms quickly worsened, leading to a high fever and a rushed hospital visit. Within weeks, the infection attacked his lungs and heart, leaving doctors powerless.
A deadly illness from the 1800s had resurfaced with heartbreaking consequences.
The resurgence of this Victorian-era disease—the whooping cough—is a grim reality in the United States today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a staggering increase in whooping cough cases, with more than 19,600 confirmed so far in 2024, compared to about 3,500 cases the previous year.
This alarming spike is a wake-up call for all of us, especially as vaccination rates among young children have plummeted.
The CDC recommends vaccination against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus with a series of Tdap shots, starting at just two months old.
There are two vaccines that protect against whooping cough: DTaP for young children and Tdap for older children and adults.
All adults should receive a Tdap shot if they haven’t already, with booster shots needed every 10 years to maintain protection.
However, during the pandemic, vaccination rates dropped as many health routines were disrupted, and they've yet to fully recover.
Shockingly, only 30% or less than a third of adults in the U.S. have been vaccinated against whooping cough in the past decade.
This decline threatens herd immunity, a critical protection for those who are too vulnerable or unable to be vaccinated themselves.
Vaccine hesitancy is driven by various factors, from religious beliefs to long-debunked myths about vaccines.
Many people assume diseases like whooping cough are no longer a real threat, leading to dangerous complacency.
But for older generations, this resurgence should be alarming.
Whooping cough is especially deadly for infants too young to be vaccinated but it also poses a serious risk to older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues.
The disease can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, broken ribs from intense coughing, and even death.
As immunity from childhood vaccines fades with age, staying up to date on boosters is crucial.
Protecting yourself through vaccination not only safeguards your health but also helps prevent the spread to vulnerable loved ones.
The resurgence of whooping cough is a stark reminder that our fight against infectious diseases is never truly over.
It's a continuous battle that requires vigilance, education, and collective action.
By choosing to vaccinate, we can protect our children and ourselves from the shadows of the past and secure a healthier future for generations to come.
What do you think about the resurgence of whooping cough in modern times? Are you concerned about its impact, especially on older adults?
How do you feel about vaccinations—have you stayed up to date with yours, and do you believe they play an important role in preventing diseases?
Have you had any personal experiences, good or bad, with vaccinations that stand out to you?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Could this Victorian-era illness be making a comeback?
The Alcaide family's world was turned upside down when their baby boy, Brady, suddenly fell ill and tragically passed away from a disease many believed was a thing of the past.
What started as mild symptoms quickly worsened, leading to a high fever and a rushed hospital visit. Within weeks, the infection attacked his lungs and heart, leaving doctors powerless.
Kathryn Alcaide shared the tragic loss of her infant son, Brady, to a Victorian-era disease. Image source: Pexels.
A deadly illness from the 1800s had resurfaced with heartbreaking consequences.
The resurgence of this Victorian-era disease—the whooping cough—is a grim reality in the United States today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a staggering increase in whooping cough cases, with more than 19,600 confirmed so far in 2024, compared to about 3,500 cases the previous year.
This alarming spike is a wake-up call for all of us, especially as vaccination rates among young children have plummeted.
The CDC recommends vaccination against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus with a series of Tdap shots, starting at just two months old.
There are two vaccines that protect against whooping cough: DTaP for young children and Tdap for older children and adults.
All adults should receive a Tdap shot if they haven’t already, with booster shots needed every 10 years to maintain protection.
However, during the pandemic, vaccination rates dropped as many health routines were disrupted, and they've yet to fully recover.
Shockingly, only 30% or less than a third of adults in the U.S. have been vaccinated against whooping cough in the past decade.
This decline threatens herd immunity, a critical protection for those who are too vulnerable or unable to be vaccinated themselves.
Vaccine hesitancy is driven by various factors, from religious beliefs to long-debunked myths about vaccines.
Many people assume diseases like whooping cough are no longer a real threat, leading to dangerous complacency.
But for older generations, this resurgence should be alarming.
Whooping cough is especially deadly for infants too young to be vaccinated but it also poses a serious risk to older adults, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues.
The disease can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, broken ribs from intense coughing, and even death.
As immunity from childhood vaccines fades with age, staying up to date on boosters is crucial.
Protecting yourself through vaccination not only safeguards your health but also helps prevent the spread to vulnerable loved ones.
The resurgence of whooping cough is a stark reminder that our fight against infectious diseases is never truly over.
It's a continuous battle that requires vigilance, education, and collective action.
By choosing to vaccinate, we can protect our children and ourselves from the shadows of the past and secure a healthier future for generations to come.
How do you feel about vaccinations—have you stayed up to date with yours, and do you believe they play an important role in preventing diseases?
Have you had any personal experiences, good or bad, with vaccinations that stand out to you?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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