Coping with the “100-day cough”: Insights from a UK GP on essential information for parents and when to call 999.
Reported cases cough of whooping cough have surged by approximately 230% compared to last year, as indicated by the latest update from the UK Health and Security Agency on December 15.
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Between July and the beginning of December, there were 856 documented instances of whooping cough, marking a 230% increase from the same period in the previous year. Infections have been steadily rising week by week, with 77 confirmed cases in the initial week of December.
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While the reported case numbers are not exceptionally high, General Practitioner Dr. Tom Jenkins emphasizes the importance of parental vigilance and early reporting: “It’s something we want parents to be vigilant for and report early.”
Whooping cough, officially known as pertussis, is a rapidly spreading bacterial infection affecting the lungs and breathing tubes. Dr. Jenkins notes that the condition has evolved to induce prolonged coughing, enhancing its chances of spreading to others.
Babies under six months are particularly vulnerable to complications, including breathing difficulties and pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US reports that about one-third of babies under one year old who contract whooping cough require hospital care, with approximately one in 100 succumbing to the disease.
The first signs of whooping cough resemble those of a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat. Subsequently, severe coughing fits, accompanied by a distinctive whooping sound between coughs, may develop. Dr. Jenkins underscores the urgency of seeking medical help if labored breathing is observed, particularly for babies under six months, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Contagious from approximately six days after cold-like symptoms begin, infected individuals remain so for up to three weeks after the onset of coughing. Dr. Jenkins advises parents not to delay seeking help if they notice labored breathing or signs of worsening respiratory distress.
If diagnosed within three weeks of the onset, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the spread of the cough, although they may not alleviate symptoms. Hospital treatment is often required for babies under six months and individuals with severe cases.
The whooping cough vaccine is a preventive measure for babies and children, administered at eight, 12, and 16 weeks, with a booster at three years. However, vaccine uptake has decreased, particularly in London, where coverage stands at just 41.4%.
