Prevention and Treatment of Pertussis in Adults

Rates of pertussis (whooping cough) in adolescents and adults have been steadily increasing in the United States. Owing to the atypical presentation of symptoms in this population, proper prevention and treatment are particularly important to reduce the risk of transmission to young children and infants. Treatment of pertussis involves the use of antimicrobial therapy, particularly macrolide antibiotics. Infection prevention in adults is managed through scheduled vaccination with tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap). Pharmacists are accessible sources of immunization education and administration, and they can impact infection outcome in patients through timely referrals for antimicrobial treatment and education regarding treatment options and expected outcomes