Health

WHAT IS IT?

Whooping cough is a severe, highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. While not usually life-threatening to adults, they are the main carriers of the infection and can unknowingly infect infants, who are very vulnerable. Immunisation against the bacterium can prevent the spread of infection.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

The infection is spread through coughing and sneezing. It takes 7-10 days for a patient’s first sign of illness to appear as a cough, runny nose and sore throat. The classical “whoop” coughing spasms appear 1-2 weeks later and take up to three months to ease. As early symptoms can easily be confused as a cold, infected adults may simply not realise they have it for weeks.

IS IT SERIOUS?

According to 2008 WHO statistics, over 195,000 children die annually from the disease, most in developing countries. In developed countries, small babies are most at risk as they are too young to be vaccinated and are particularly vulnerable to the harsh cough.

SHOULD I BE VACCINATED?

The most common vaccine used in developed countries offers 84% protection after three doses, with boosters given routinely to children. However, its effectiveness declines a decade after immunisation. Parents, grandparents, and people who work in close contact with babies and young children can increase protection for themselves and the children by getting a booster every ten years.