Our Mission

About Whooping Cough

Key points

• Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness.
• Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.
• Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious.

How it spreads

The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air. When a person with whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they release small particles with the bacteria in them. Other people can then breathe in the bacteria.

These bacteria can spread when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space.

Early symptoms

It usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough. Sometimes symptoms don’t develop for as long as 3 weeks.

Appears like a common cold

Whooping cough appears similar to a common cold early on. Healthcare providers often don’t suspect or diagnose it until more severe symptoms appear.

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough

Antibiotics

Preventive antibiotics are also known as post-exposure antimicrobial prophylaxis (PEP). These are medicines given to someone who has been exposed to harmful bacteria to help prevent them from getting sick.

Some people should receive antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick if they have been around someone with whooping cough.

If you’ve been exposed to someone with whooping cough, talk to a healthcare provider about preventive antibiotics. A healthcare provider or health department generally decides who should get preventive antibiotics.

Vaccination

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone.

CALL RICHD 309-794-7080 to update your families Tdap for 11 and up and DTaP for those under age 7!

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FLU VACCINE for 2024

Call 309-794-7080 to schedule your flu vaccine today.

RICHD has high dose flu vaccine for those 65 and up

RICHD is enrolled in programs that will assist in paying for flu vaccines for all ages who are underinsured and uninsured. Call RICHD for more information – 309-794-7080.

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SPIKEVAX (12+) and MODERNA (6 MO to 11 YO)-COVID 2024/2025 formulation

RICHD has Spikevax for ages 12 and up 2024/2025 formulation and Moderna 6mo to 11yo 2024/2025 formulation in stock for all programs.

RICHD is enrolled in programs that will assist in paying for COVID-19 vaccines for all ages who are underinsured and uninsured.

Call for more information and to schedule your COVID 2024/2025 vaccine today 309-794-7080!

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ABRYSVO- RSV Vaccine 2024

RICHD has Abrysvo RSV Vaccines on hand.

RSV is not an annual vaccine. The CDC is still evaluating if additional doses would be beneficial in the future for those that have already received vaccine.

RSV vaccine is recommended for all persons 75 age and up and is also recommended for persons age 60 to 74 if persons in this age range have a chronic health condition that predisposes them to more significant risk of severe RSV illness.

For persons in 60-74 age group that request RSV vaccine we will ask that you fill out a short questionnaire self-attesting to chronic health conditions for RSV vaccine administration.

RICHD asks that prior to scheduling for RSV vaccination appointment that people contact their insurance to ensure coverage for this vaccine along with ensuring RICHD is a covered entity to receive this vaccine.

RICHD is enrolled in a program that will assist in paying for the Abrysvo vaccine for those who are underinsured and uninsured.

For more information and to schedule vaccine call 309-794-7080.

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NARCAN

SAVE A LIFE

Rock Island County Health Department is now a Drug Overdose Prevention Program participant.              

This means that we are able to freely distribute Narcan kits to residents of Rock Island County.

What is NARCAN?
NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

This is a free and confidential service. We will not ask for any personal information as providing this lifesaving treatment at no cost is to ensure lifesaving treatment is available for anyone that may need it.

Narcan kits (2 doses in each kit) is available for pick up Monday through Friday from 8-430 PM at the Rock Island County Health Department. We will also provide you the information on how to administer the Narcan along with handouts to keep on hand for how to administer as well.

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About the Rock Island County Health Department

Rock Island County Health Department prevents disease, promotes wellness of mind and body, protects public health and prepares for emergencies.   To learn more visit or call us at 309-793-1955.