From ABC Chicago:
Whooping cough is now an epidemic in California, sickening thousands of people and killing eight babies. Smaller outbreaks have been reported in other states, including Illinois and Indiana.
Some experts blame a decline in childhood vaccines. But an uptick in the disease may have more to do with teens and adults who don't realize they are no longer protected.
Differential diagnosis of cough, a simple mnemonic is GREAT BAD CAT TOM. Click here to enlarge the image: (GERD (reflux), Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), Rhinitis (both allergic and non-allergic) with post-nasal drip (upper airway cough syndrome), Embolism, e.g. PE in adults, Asthma, TB (tuberculosis), Bronchitis, pneumonia, pertussis, Aspiration, e.g foreign body in children, Drugs, e.g. ACE inhibitor, CF in children, Cardiogenic, e.g. mitral stenosis in adults, Achalasia in adults, Thyroid enlargement, e.g. goiter, "Thoughts" (psychogenic), Other causes, Malignancy, e.g. lung cancer in adults).
Pertussis immunization is urged for seniors due to many unreported cases among older adults. Repeat TDaP if older than 65 (http://j.mp/yK6Y3h).
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