• What they are: Tetanus, a toxin-producing soil bacterium that enters through wounds and causes severe muscle spasms (“lock-jaw”)
Diphtheria, a respiratory bacterium that forms a throat membrane, leading to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis
Pertussis (Whooping Cough), a highly contagious airway infection causing violent coughing fits, apnea in infants, and “100-day cough” in adults.
• Symptoms: See above; pertussis starts like a cold, then progresses to paroxysmal whoop and post-tussive vomiting.
• Prevention: Childhood DTaP series at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 mo & 4–6 yr.; Tdap booster at 11–12 yr, then a Td or Tdap dose every 10 yr for life. Pregnancy: one Tdap in weeks 27–36 each pregnancy to pass antibodies to baby. Immediate Tdap after dirty wounds if > 5 yr since last dose; meticulous wound care limits tetanus risk.