Whooping Cough

 

As you may have seen from the news and social media there has been an increase in the number of whooping cough cases in the UK, some sadly resulting in infant death.

  • Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes.
  • It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems.

Check if you or your child has whooping cough

The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).

After about a week, you or your child:

  • will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
  • may make a "whoop" sound – a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not "whoop")
  • may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants)
  • may bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomit
  • may become very red in the face (more common in adults)

The cough may last for several weeks or months.

Further information and guidance

 

Whooping Cough – vaccination

If you’re pregnant you will be offered a Whooping Cough vaccination between 16-32 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine protects you and your un-born baby from getting whooping cough in the first few weeks of their life.

  • The vaccine also protects against; diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
  • You may be offered this vaccination as part of your antenatal appointment or it can be booked through the medical centre.
  • The Whooping cough vaccine is also part of the 6-in-1 vaccine which is given to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age.

It is important your child remains up-to-date with their vaccinations. If you are unsure about your childs status or know that they are missing a vaccine, please contact our Nurses reception who would be happy to help.

Published: May 13, 2024

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