Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses serious risks, particularly to newborns and young children. This year, health officials in Queensland, especially in regions like the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, and Central Queensland, have seen a spike in cases—with over 1,432 reported compared to only 19 during the same period last year*. This blog will help you understand what whooping cough is, the signs to watch for, how it's diagnosed and treated, and most importantly, how you can help prevent its spread.
What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It affects the lungs and airways, causing severe coughing fits. It's called "whooping cough" because of the "whoop" sound made when trying to breathe after a coughing fit. This infection can last for weeks, and while it may start off like a regular cold, it can quickly become dangerous, particularly for babies.
First Signs of Whooping Cough
At first, whooping cough may seem like a common cold. Symptoms include:
Runny nose
Mild cough
Low-grade fever
However, after a week or two, the coughing becomes more intense, and it can lead to:
Severe coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.
Whooping sound when gasping for air after coughing.
Vomiting after coughing spells.
Exhaustion from frequent coughing.
If you or someone in your family experiences these symptoms, especially if they've been in contact with young children or infants, it’s important to seek medical advice quickly.
How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose whooping cough through a combination of:
Clinical examination: Based on symptoms like the whooping sound or prolonged coughing.
Lab tests: A swab of the nose or throat may be taken to confirm the presence of Bordetella pertussis.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While whooping cough can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk of severe illness:
Newborns and infants: Babies younger than 6 months cannot be fully vaccinated, so they are extremely vulnerable.
Pregnant women: It's important for expectant mothers to get vaccinated during pregnancy to pass on immunity to their babies.
The elderly or those with compromised immune systems: This group may experience complications if they contract the illness.
Vaccination: The Best Prevention
The whooping cough vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the disease. Since newborns cannot be vaccinated immediately, it’s crucial that those around them are vaccinated to prevent spreading the infection.
Here’s who can get vaccinated for free under the National Immunisation Program:
During pregnancy: Pregnant women should be vaccinated to pass immunity to their baby.
For children: Vaccinations are given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, with boosters at 4 years.
For adolescents: A booster is given at ages 11-13 as part of the Queensland School Immunisation Program.
Adults should consider a booster shot every 10 years, as immunity can start to wane after just 4 to 5 years. Speak to your GP to find out if a booster dose is recommended for you.
Treatment for Whooping Cough
Once diagnosed, treatment usually involves:
Antibiotics: These can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection.
Rest and hydration: Keeping the patient comfortable and hydrated is essential.
Hospitalisation: In severe cases, particularly in infants, hospitalisation may be required.
Debunking Myths About Whooping Cough
Myth 1: Only children get whooping cough: Adults can also get whooping cough, especially if they haven't had a booster shot recently.
Myth 2: Vaccination guarantees you won't get whooping cough: While the vaccine is highly effective, its immunity can wane over time, which is why booster shots are necessary.
Myth 3: Whooping cough is just a bad cold: It's much more serious than a cold, particularly for infants and vulnerable individuals. Untreated, it can lead to complications like pneumonia, seizures, or even death in severe cases.
What You Can Do
Get vaccinated: Protect yourself and those around you, especially vulnerable infants, by getting vaccinated and staying up to date with booster doses.
Monitor symptoms: If you or your children have persistent coughing, especially after contact with babies, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Spread awareness: Encourage family members, friends, and caregivers to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Conclusion: Protect Our Community
Whooping cough is preventable, and vaccination is the best defence. With cases on the rise in Queensland, it's important to take action to protect your family and our youngest community members. If you have any concerns or would like to discuss whether you need a booster shot, book an appointment with your GP today.
Together, we can help stop the spread of whooping cough and keep our community safe.
For more information, refer to the Queensland Health guidelines on whooping cough: Queensland Health - Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
*Source: Queensland Health Notifiable conditions annual reporting as at 8 September 2024.
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