My battle with Pertussis ended about 2 months ago. It seems like a long time, but it also feels like yesterday. For the past 2 months I have enjoyed pretty good health. I’ve even gone back to working out without a coughing fit.
The other day I caught a cold from my kid and I was so afraid. On the one hand, I knew it was just a cold because my kid shook it off like nothing (when pertussis hit us both, my kid took almost as long as I did to shake it off). On the other hand, the symptoms, at least when my bout of pertussis began, were similar to the common cold. Runny nose, sore throat, etc. And yet, the dichotomy between the two could not be more so. One ends, while the other hammers you up until you pass out, literally.
The cold came and went, but while it lasted, I went back in time to the horror that it was to have pertussis. Even now, when I catch a coughing spell from eating something, or just to clear my throat, my family will look at me for signs. In their eyes, I can see how difficult it was for them too.
It is never too late to get a booster shot. Visit your primary care physician and confirm all of your immunizations are up to date. If not, get them up to date. Your family will thank you.
