Highly Contagious 100-Day Cough Surging in Minnesota

It’s cold and flu season, so your office is probably filled with sniffles and coughs. Everyone’s doing their best to avoid germs and stay healthy, but getting sick is almost unavoidable for many of us. We cough, sneeze, and feel miserable, but usually, these bugs clear up after a few days to a week, and then we’re back to normal.

This year, though, some Minnesotans are dealing with symptoms that stick around a lot longer. I’m one of them. Below, you’ll find an explanation from the Mayo Clinic about what might be causing that stubborn cough.

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The Best Way To Avoid Getting Sick

Washing your hands is simple, but it’s one of the best ways to stop germs from spreading.

The CDC says regular handwashing can prevent about one in three cases of diarrhea-related illnesses and one in five respiratory infections, like the common cold or the flu.

By taking just a few seconds to wash your hands thoroughly, you can significantly reduce the chances of getting sick or passing germs to others.

My Experience With The 100 Day Cough

I never officially got diagnosed, but I’m pretty sure I caught the 100-day cough at the end of October. I know it was around then because I had to call in sick on October 21st, and I never do that.

I felt awful for about 4 or 5 days with a high fever and a nasty cough. The fever didn’t stick around, but that cough has been tough to shake.

What Is The 100 Day Cough?

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota says, symptoms usually begin like a cold, with a runny nose, fever, and cough, but worsen after a week or two, causing severe coughing fits, vomiting, and fatigue.

I never vomited, but the bug wiped me out for a long time.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection.

WebMD says, "People sometimes call whooping cough the "100-day cough" because it lingers so long." It primarily affects infants who haven’t completed their vaccinations and teenagers and adults with waning immunity.

In December, the Minnesota Department of Health reported 2,324 cases, a major increase from the previous year, when only 33 cases were reported.

The CDC says adults should get a Tdap booster shot every 10 years. This shot protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.