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In recent months there has been a sharp increase in cases of whooping cough (Pertussis).

Whooping cough is an acute infectious bacterial disease transmitted by airborne droplets when coughing or sneezing. The source of infection is patients. They are infectious within 21 days of symptom onset or until day 5 of antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, to prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to isolate the patient.

Whooping cough is most common among children. Among the children under 1 year, the disease is more severe and it is often accompanied by complications. The course of disease is relatively mild in adolescents and adults.

When can you suspect whooping cough?

• prolonged cough (more than 2 weeks)
• attacks of convulsive (spastic) cough, which may be accompanied by vomiting and blue skin.

Whooping cough is diagnosed using a nasopharyngeal swab or PCR test.

Our paediatrician reminds that the best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated on time.

Vaccinated children get sick less and with less complication in case of disease.