What you'll learn in this expert session
Older adults are known to be the 'infection reservoir' for pertussis in the community, and yet the disease frequently goes unrecognised, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In this talk, Dr Beecham outlines the key features of pertussis as it appears in adults, when to suspect it, and how to diagnose and treat it. Importantly, she will also address the issue of pertussis prevention for this cohort and the opportunities that exist to reduce the morbidity and mortality from whooping cough by targeting older adults.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognise the signs and symptoms of pertussis
- Identify the people most at risk of complications from pertussis infection
- Outline the public health and isolation measures for pertussis control
- Recommend pertussis vaccination according to the AIH/ATAGI guidelines
About the Expert
Dr Lisa Beecham
Upon graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Lisa Beecham worked at Royal Children's Hospital Brisbane for 4 years. It was there she witnessed the devastating effect of vaccine preventable diseases. Upon entering general practice she was keen to promote vaccination for all and has worked on various immunisation committees since then, currently on the Queensland Immunization Partnership Group as the RACGP representative and serves as a Board Director for the GCPHN.
Course curriculum
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1
How to complete this course
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Instructions
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2
Pertussis in Older Australians – More Serious Than You Think
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Summary and learning objectives
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Video lecture (30 mins)
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Quiz: test your learning (10 mins)
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3
Document your CPD here
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CPD Documentation and Reflection Activity Tool
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4
Feedback
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Please let us know your thoughts
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