A nurse and mother shares her harrowing experience of her son contracting whooping cough, a potentially deadly illness, and the devastating impact it had on his life. She urges parents to get their children vaccinated against this preventable disease.
Whooping cough (pertussis) cases have been increasing in countries like the U.K., Australia, and China, while the U.S. has not experienced a similar surge. This infection is caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis* and is highly contagious. It is spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms typically appear 5-10 days after exposure and include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough, followed by violent coughing fits. Babies and young children are at a higher risk of serious complications, such as hospitalization, pneumonia, and encephalopathy. Vaccination is recommended for children and adults to prevent pertussis and reduce the severity of symptoms if infected.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued warning letters to parents regarding an increase in whooping cough cases in Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. Symptoms include prolonged coughing, retching, a ‘whoop’ sound on breathing in, and rib pain. Parents are advised to seek medical attention if their child experiences these symptoms. Vaccination is emphasized as the most effective protection against whooping cough, and children should receive vaccinations at specific intervals. Those affected are asked to self-isolate until antibiotic treatment is complete or three weeks after coughing bouts start.
Researchers have identified key barriers to vaccine uptake for whooping cough, flu, and Covid-19 in pregnant women. These barriers include concerns about safety, lack of knowledge, fear of adverse effects, and lack of endorsement from healthcare professionals. To address these barriers, researchers recommend focusing on “five Cs” – confidence, complacency, convenience, communication, and context. By implementing these recommendations in public health strategies, we can increase protection of mothers-to-be and their children.
