Childhood illnesses

Whooping cough

What is it?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an airborne bacterial infection, spread in tiny droplets from sneezes or coughs of someone with the infection.²

Symptoms

Like measles, the initial symptoms are cold-like, such as:^2,7

• Runny nose, sneezing or coughing
• Red or sore watery eyes
• Sore throat

But, unlike with measles, a high temperature is uncommon.⁷

Intense coughing bouts start about a week later and those affected may:^2,7

• Have coughing fits that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
• Gasp for breath between coughs, making a "whoop" sound, although not in all cases
• Bring up a thick mucus, which can cause vomiting
• Have difficulty breathing after coughing; young infants may briefly turn blue or grey
• Become very red in the face due to the strain of coughing (more common in adults)
• Last for several weeks or months but will become less severe and frequent over time.

Treatment

If diagnosed within three weeks of the coughing bouts starting, antibiotics can help to stop the infection spreading, but may not reduce symptoms.⁷ After three weeks, antibiotics are not required as the patient is no longer considered infectious.^7,8

The following can help relieve symptoms:^2,7

• Plenty of rest
• Drinking fluids to avoid dehydration
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain or discomfort
• Avoid cough medicines as they're not suitable for young children and do not help with whooping cough

Prevention

To prevent the infection spreading, infected children should:²

• Stay away from nursery, school or work until two days after the start of antibiotic treatment or, if not taking antibiotics, three weeks from when the coughing bouts started
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing
• Dispose of used tissues immediately

There are three routine vaccinations that can protect babies and children from becoming infected with whooping cough: ^2,7

• The whooping cough vaccine, given in pregnancy to protect baby during the first few weeks of life
• The 6-in-1 vaccine, offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age
• The 4-in-1 pre-school booster

These vaccines, or previous infections, don’t offer lifelong protection from whooping cough, but any subsequent infections are usually less severe.⁸

Older children and adults aren’t routinely vaccinated, except during pregnancy or a whooping cough outbreak.

GP referral^2,7

Refer any customers with suspected whooping cough, especially:

• Any babies under six months old with symptoms of whooping cough, as they have a greater risk of dehydration or serious complications
• Any customers who have had a cough for more than three weeks or a very bad cough that is getting worse.

In addition, refer those who have been in close contact with someone who has been infected, especially those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.