We are entering into cold and flu season and with it comes the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Brown tells our newsroom they are seeing an influx of whooping cough, otherwise known as pertussis.
“It’s a bacterial illness that does cause respiratory disease and it’s quite cyclical. So, it’s one of those diseases that we see peak every two to five years and in Nova Scotia we are a bit overdue for an increase.”
Brown adds, getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent it, but immunity does wane over time.
Typically, she says, symptoms are mild for adults and older children, but it can be quite “annoying” and historically was known as the “100-day cough”.
“So, you can imagine having a cough for a few months can certainly have an impact on someone’s day to day activity.”
However, whooping cough can get very serious, she says, particularly in babies under 12 months.
“That’s why we recommend every pregnant person in their third trimester of pregnancy, get a booster against pertussis.”
Taking precautions
Meanwhile, as more COVID-19 cases pop up across the province, Premier Tim Houston says people can manage the spread themselves.
About two weeks ago, Nova Scotia Health announced masks would be mandatory in hospitals as more contracted the virus.
On Thursday, Houston told reporters with there are definitely illnesses going around, but people know what to do.
“We’ve all lived through a pandemic. We have those lived experiences and understand what’s necessary to keep ourselves safe. You know, simple hygiene and simple things we learned along the way, wear a mask if you’re if you’re not feeling well, all that type of stuff,” he said.
“So, I think Nova Scotians are intelligent enough and have the understanding of what’s required to keep themselves and their loved ones and their communities safe. And I have great faith in them.”
He said the province has not finished their plan for vaccine rollout this year.
However, he added that the Chief Medical Officer of Health should provide an update when “it’s necessary.”
He said regular flu vaccines should be coming soon.
