Medical Insider – Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
PERTUSSIS
(Part 9)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Dr. Bryan, we have discussed the need of wearing masks to avoid spreading PERTUSSIS.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes and I emphasized that it is important that for masks to be effective, they have to be worn properly. You have to choose the protective mask that you are comfortable with. You have to wear the mask at such a duration and style that completely covers your mouth and nose and fits well against the sides of your face, leaving no gaps.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): You also indicated where we should cough. You said that we should cough at a certain area where we can cover our nose and mouth with a tissue every time we cough or sneeze. We have to throw the used tissue in a trash bin.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes!
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What other precautions would you want to give us to avoid getting infected with pertussis?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Let us continue to have good health habits. Having good health habits can reduce the spread of pertussis. How? By properly washing your hands with soap and water often, especially if you come into contact with an infected individual. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and clean your hands afterwards.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What PPE is needed to fight pertussis?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: We have to protect our lungs, the eyes, too. Gloves should be worn when providing direct patient care. There could also be a need for gown/coveralls.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What does the Department of Health (DOH) say about the wearing of masks against pertussis?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Last Mar 27, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) encouraged the public to keep their masks on amid the persistence of pertussis or whooping cough cases.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What else, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Health experts also urge vaccination, face masks amid pertussis outbreak
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Again, Dr Bryan, is it ok to wear masks while coughing when you have pertussis?
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I would like to repeat: The mask should fully cover the nose resting on the bridge or midpoint of your nose, mouth and chin. You should wear a mask because when you talk, cough or sneeze, you may release tiny drops into the air that can infect others.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): So would you say that it is rude to cough when you do not cover your mouth?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: It’s not only rude; it shows bad manners. If you cover your mouth while coughing, you do not only reduce the spread of germs including other highly contagious viruses such as the flu virus. The flu and some other infections are spread through microscopic water droplets expelled from an infected person, commonly through coughing, sneezing, and hand-to-mouth contact.Jun
(TO BE CONTINUED)