Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an airborne respiratory infection that  can bring with it symptoms similar to the common cold. It can affect  people of all ages, although it is particularly serious in young  children and babies, often life-threatening in babies less than 6 months  of age. It is highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing.  The disease is named ‘Whooping Cough’ because the cold-like symptoms  are followed by a long period of coughing fits, usually several weeks,  in which a person may make a high-pitched ‘whoop’ when inhaling after  coughing. 

Whooping Cough initially presents similarly to the common cold, with  a runny nose, watery eyes and a low-grade fever, however over the next  three to seven days sufferers develop a dry cough which is typically  accompanied by a sharp inhalation, from where the name ‘Whooping Cough’  is derived.

The violent coughing has also been known to cause vomiting, general tiredness and can even break ribs from the effort.

The cough usually passes after a few weeks but may linger as long as  three months. For this reason, Whooping Cough is also known in some  places as having a hundred-day cough.

Babies are among the most at-risk demographic of both being infected and experiencing adverse effects related to the disease. The best way to reduce the risk of developing whooping cough is through immunisation, however babies cannot be vaccinated until they are six weeks of age and are not fully protected until they are six months old. For advice or further details on vaccinating children, consult your pharmacist or general practitioner. 

Vaccination against Whooping Cough is also recommended for women early in the third trimester of each pregnancy, ideally between 28 and 32 weeks (although it can be administered at any time in the third trimester). Boosting an expectant mother’s immunity also protects the newborn until vaccination at six weeks is possible.

A booster dose is recommended for adults wanting to reduce the risk of infection who haven’t had a booster in the last decade. This is particularly important for certain groups that may be more at risk of complications or are in contact with those at increased risk:

    Older adults particularly those aged 65 and over

    People with respiratory conditions such as COPD or asthma

    Carers such as grandparents

Vaccination against Whooping Cough is also recommended for women early in the third trimester of each pregnancy, ideally between 28 and 32 weeks (although it can be administered at any time in the third trimester). Boosting an expectant mother’s immunity also protects the newborn until vaccination at six weeks is possible.