DT immunization

DT (diphtheria and tetanus) vaccine does not protect from pertussis and is usually reserved for individuals who have had a significant adverse reaction to a DPT shot or who have a personal or family history of a seizure disorder or brain disease.
Tetanus is an acute, often-fatal disease of the nervous system that is caused by the nerve toxins of the bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This bacteria is found throughout the world as a normal element in the soil and in animal and human intestines.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute, highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by a bacterium . The first outbreaks of pertussis were described in the 16th century. The bacterium responsible for the infection, Bordetella pertussis, was not isolated until 1906. Each year, 5,000-7,000 cases of whooping cough (pertussis) are recorded each year in the United States. The incidence of pertussis has been steadily increasing since the 1980’s.

Whooping cough (pertussis) commonly affects infants and young children but can be prevented with immunization with pertussis vaccine. Pertussis vaccine is most commonly given in combination with the vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus in the vaccine known as “DPT.” (Pertussis is the "P" in the DPT vaccine.) Immunity from the DPT vaccine wears off, so many teenagers and adults get whooping cough (pertussis).

Treatment of whooping cough is supportive, meaning that treatment is directed at the symptoms, e.g., cough; however, young infants often need hospitalization if the coughing becomes severe.