What is Whooping Cough? Whooping Cough Vaccine and Treatment

Whooping Cough(Pertussis) is an acute, contagious respiratory disease that affects susceptible individuals of all ages, especially in childhood and children younger than 5 years of age. The most typical symptom is incessant coughing attacks that seem to be suffocating. It is a common disease all over the world.

The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract and the first period symptoms are mild upper respiratory tract symptoms such as runny nose, tearing in the eyes, weakness, and fever that is not too high.

Death is common in very young infants.

How is whooping cough transmitted?

Pertussis is caused by a bacterium. Bacteria taken through the respiratory tract cause disease after 7-10 days of incubation period (average 4-21 days). It is very contagious. It settles in the throat. When hygienic conditions, that is, cleaning rules are not followed well, contamination occurs and then epidemics occur. There is an increase in cases in societies with low socio-economic status, in communal living areas, in crowded groups, under conditions of insufficient and malnutrition.

What is the Contagious Period for Pertussis Disease?

The only known resource is people. Disease occurs in unprotected individuals 1-2 weeks after ingestion of the bacteria.

Pertussis is not seen in a specific geographical localization, it is common all over the world. Although it is not a seasonal contagion feature, it can be seen more in the last spring months.

Why is it important to prevent whooping cough?

Pertussis is a disease that is common all over the world and causes epidemics every 3-4 years. It is well known to hold very young infants and lead to infant mortality early in life. Diagnosis of the disease is sometimes difficult due to mild infections and can be overlooked. Since it can cause widespread epidemics, it is a serious public health problem for families and children and causes financial losses.

What are the Ways to Prevent Pertussis?

The only way to prevent the disease is vaccination. There is an extremely effective vaccine. Since 1985, it has been observed that there has been a significant decrease in the number of cases thanks to the effective vaccination studies implemented. In societies with low vaccination rates and unvaccinated individuals, the disease continues to be seen and causes deaths.

What is the Treatment of Pertussis Disease?

Babies under the age of 6 months must be admitted to the hospital and intensive care treatment. Antibiotics should be used in this process. Because the disease is severe in young babies. Respiratory distress and feeding difficulties are observed. In some cases, the use of corticosteroids may be necessary to relieve coughing fits.

What Are the Side Effects of Pertussis Vaccine?

– Rarely, there may be redness, swelling and pain at the injection site. Children may have crying spells. Mild fever may occur.

– It is not recommended to be applied in individuals with an unknown cause and progressive central nervous system disease or disorder. In case of seizures and very high fever after the first application of the vaccine, the Pertussis vaccine should be removed from the applications and continued.