whooping cough/pertussis

Whooping cough or Pertussis is like a sneaky invader that can make life pretty rough. But fear not, we've got the inside scoop on what it is, how to spot it, and what you can do to kick it to the curb!

What's the Deal with Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is no ordinary cough. It's a bacterial infection that sets up camp in your lungs and airways, making breathing feel like a battle. And guess what? It spreads faster than gossip in a small town!

Spotting the Signs

At first, whooping cough might try to trick you into thinking it's just a common cold. Sneaky, right? But after about a week, things start to get serious:

• Coughing Fits: Picture this – uncontrollable coughing fits that hit you like a tidal wave, especially at night. It's like your body's throwing a coughing party, and you're the unwilling guest!
• The "Whoop" Sound: Ever heard a "whoop" sound after a cough? That's whooping cough saying, "Surprise!" It's like a gasp for air between coughs, and it's as bizarre as it sounds.
• Breathing Troubles: Sometimes, whooping cough makes it feel like you're breathing through a straw. And if you're a little one or an adult with a weakened immune system, it can get even scarier.
• Your child may bring up a thick mucus, which can make them sick!
• Or they can become very red in the face after persistent bouts of cough

When to Seek Help

Listen up, because this is important! If you suspect whooping cough is crashing your party, don't wait around. Here's when to seek medical input:

• Babies under 6 months: Whooping cough hits them hardest, so don't hesitate to call the doctor if they show any symptoms.
• Worsening cough: If your cough goes from bad to worse, it's time to sound the alarm.
• Contact with Infected Individuals: If you've been rubbing elbows with someone who's got whooping cough and you're expecting or have a weak immune system, get checked out pronto!

Battling the Bug

Now, let's talk battle strategy. Whooping cough might be a tough opponent, but with the right weapons, you can send it packing:

• Antibiotics: If caught early (less than three weeks), antibiotics can help stop the spread of whooping cough to others. Just make sure to follow your doctor's orders and finish the full course! Otherwise the symptoms might return. 

Please remember that antibiotics may not reduce symptoms though they may stop spreading infection to others!

• Rest and Hydration: Your body's doing double duty fighting off those pesky germs, so give it some TLC. Rest up, drink plenty of fluids, and let your body do its thing.

What other problems can result from Whooping cough?

Repeated coughing can lead to further problems needing medical input like:

· Sore ribs

· Hernia

· Ear infections

· Pee leaking out during or after coughing bouts (also known as urinary incontinence)

When to call 999 or go to A&E:

· If lips, tongue or skins turn blue or pale (check the palms of the hands or soles of the feet if unsure)

· Feeling breathless

· Pain on breathing: this could be a sign of chest infection

· Any seizures

Catching the Cough: How Long You're Contagious

You're contagious from around 6 days after cold-like symptoms start, all the way up to 3 weeks after.

But fear not! If antibiotics are started within 3 weeks of your cough debut, you can shorten this contagious period.

How long to isolate for?

It is important to isolate for 3 weeks after symptoms start. However, if antibiotics are started, this can be reduced to 48 hours after starting antibiotics.

Prevention is Key

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that's especially true with whooping cough. Here's how to stay one step ahead:

• Vaccination: Get those jabs! The whooping cough vaccine is your best defence against this nasty bug. It's part of routine vaccinations for babies and kids, and pregnant women should get it too. 

The vaccination routine is as follows:

· 6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks 

· 4-in-1 pre-school booster – for children aged 3 years 4 months 

· If you're pregnant, you should also have the whooping cough vaccine – ideally between 16 and 32 weeks.

Wrapping It Up

Whooping cough might seem like a formidable foe, but armed with knowledge and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can show it who's the boss.