Written By Amanda Howarth
New data published on 9th May 2024 from the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) shows cases of whooping cough continue to rise, with 1,319 confirmed cases in March. This brings the total of confirmed cases in 2024 to 2,793. Sadly, there have been 5 infant deaths in the first 3 months of 2024. Young infants are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from Whooping Cough.
Let’s delve into the article below where we will explore the signs and symptoms of Whooping Cough, a topic that demands our attention and understanding.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious respiratory disease affecting all ages.
Bordetella pertussis is a bacteria that causes whooping cough. The disease gets its name from the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound that follows an intense bout of coughing.
Pertussis can affect all ages, but small infants under the age of 6 months are at the highest risk of severe complications from the infection.
Whooping cough is spread through droplets. The bacterium is released into the air through droplets from coughing and sneezing. People can also pick up the bacteria by touching surfaces and then touching their nose or mouth, as the bacteria can stay on surfaces for up to 3-5 days. 2
It is highly infectious in its catarrhal and paroxysmal stages ( see below), and one person in a house can infect a whole household.
The incubation can be 6-20 days after first exposure to the bacteria. An infected person may be contagious 6 days after contracting the infection up to 3 weeks after the cough begins.
What are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?
There are 3 stages of symptoms.
1st stage – Catarrhal stage lasting around 1- 2 weeks.
2nd stage – Paroxysmal Stage 1- 6 weeks but can be longer
3rd stage – Convalescent Stage – weeks or months
Symptoms are normally worse at night.
If you suspect you or someone you know has whooping cough, seek medical attention promptly
Vaccination is the best form of defence for young children and pregnant women.
The primary UK Vaccination schedule consists of 3 doses of a Pertussis vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. A reinforcing dose should be administered at around 3 years and 4 months. 3
Pregnant women are advised to have a pertussis-containing vaccine, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks, to protect their baby from birth until they reach the age of routine immunisation against the disease.
The Pertussis vaccine does not give lifelong protection, it starts to wane after 10 – 15 years. The vaccination schedule is to prevent severe complications in young infants and children. If a person develops whooping cough following vaccination are unlikely to be at risk of serious complications. 3
Early treatment is crucial. Antibiotics can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if administered in the early stages.
Antibiotics can also help prevent the spread of the infection to others. People should stay at home if they have symptoms of whooping cough until they have been on antibiotics for at least 2 full days. This will help with the spread of infection especially to young infants. 1
Ensure adequate hydration
Use a cool mist vaporiser to soothe irritated lungs and throats.
Keep the patient in a quiet and calm environment to avoid triggers that could include coughing fits.
Whooping cough is a serious disease, especially for young children and vulnerable populations. During an outbreak as we are seeing in the UK in 2024 we should all have an understanding of symptoms, transmission and prevention. By staying informed we can protect ourselves and our communities.
References
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