The UK is currently dealing with a whooping cough outbreak, also known as pertussis - with the number of cases shockingly increasing by 250 per cent within a year.
Between July and November, there were 716 reported cases, which is three times the number during the same period in 2022. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam from the UKHSA told The Sun that this rise was "expected". They explained that social distancing and lockdown measures during the Covid-19 pandemic had significantly impacted the spread of infections, including whooping cough.
"As expected, we are now seeing cases of whooping cough increase again, so it's vital pregnant women ensure they get vaccinated to protect their baby." Prof Helen Bedford, an expert in child public health at University College London, added: "Whooping cough in young babies can be very serious and vaccinating their mothers in pregnancy is the only way of ensuring they are protected in the first few months."
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads easily and can sometimes cause serious problems. Vaccination against it is crucial for babies and children.
The NHS explains that after about a week, you or your child might experience coughing fits that last for a few minutes, are worse at night and may make a "whoop" sound a gasp for breath between coughs. Young babies and some adults may not "whoop". After a coughing bout, the patient may struggle to breathe and could turn blue or grey (especially young infants), and they may bring up thick mucus, which can cause vomiting.
The NHS further adds that the patient's face may become very red (more common in adults). If your baby is under 6 months old and shows symptoms of whooping cough, or if you or your child have a severe cough that is getting worse, or if you've been in contact with someone with whooping cough and you're pregnant, you should seek an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111.
You should also call 111 if you or your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough and have a weakened immune system.
What are the five symptoms of whooping cough?
Once infected with whooping cough, it takes around seven to ten days for signs and symptoms to appear, though it can sometimes take longer. They're usually mild at first and are very similar to the common cold. They can include:
Nasal congestion
- A runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
A cough
- A fever
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