Whooping cough - did you know?

1. What is whooping cough

As the name suggests, whooping cough is an acute respiratory disease in which the patient coughs for two to three months. It is mainly caused by Bordetella pertussis. Since it is possible to contract it through close contact with an infected person, whooping cough is highly contagious. The disease is most common in spring and winter, but most cases are sporadic. However, it can cause an epidemic in crowded public places such as childcare institutions.

2. Transmission and symptoms of whooping cough

√ Mainly spread to other people through the pertussis bacteria in the droplets when the infected person coughs or sneezes.

√Pertussis bacteria can survive in the air for several hours, so close contact, sharing of objects, etc. may lead to infection.

√ The initial symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, including sore throat, cough, runny nose, etc. As the disease progresses, it will turn into paroxysmal coughs, with characteristic "squeaking" sounds, and even coughing up thick phlegm.

3. High-risk groups for pertussis

√ Infants and young children: Because their immune systems are not yet fully developed, they are susceptible to infection.

√ Elderly people and people with weakened immune systems.

√ Medical staff who come into contact with whooping cough patients.

How to prevent whooping cough

√ Vaccination against whooping cough is the most effective preventive measure. Timely and complete vaccination can effectively reduce the risk of infection and severe illness in young children. Adults can also be vaccinated to improve their immunity.

√ Maintain personal hygiene, including keeping hands clean, avoiding touching easily infected parts such as the mouth, nose, and eyes, washing hands frequently, ventilating frequently, and wearing masks when entering and leaving crowded places.

√Avoid close contact with whooping cough patients. If you have paroxysmal spasmodic coughs or unexplained coughs for more than two weeks, you should go to a regular hospital for diagnosis and treatment while taking good personal protection. Do not go to work or class when you are sick.

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