Ano ang pertussis o whooping cough? | Need to Know

Whooping cough affects people of all ages. Infants are particularly vulnerable due to incomplete vaccination and an immature immune system, leading to more severe symptoms.

The disease spreads through respiratory droplets. Initial symptoms, lasting one to two weeks, include cough, colds, and fever, often appearing like a common sickness, making early detection difficult without knowing about the virus.

Severe symptoms include intense coughing followed by vomiting, and sometimes darkening of the skin, especially after prolonged coughing. In babies, persistent coughing and bulging eyes are characteristic signs.

During recovery, the patient is no longer contagious but may still experience a persistent cough. This is why it's often called the '100 days cough,' as the cough can linger for an extended period.

Vaccination is crucial. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine between 27 to 36 weeks of gestation to protect the baby until 6 weeks of age. At 6 weeks, babies can start receiving primary series vaccines like the 5-in-1 or 6-in-1, which include protection against pertussis.

To prevent transmission, keep unvaccinated infants indoors, maintain good hand hygiene, and ensure good nutrition including vitamin C and zinc. Anyone with a cough, especially around infants, should wear a face mask. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital for pertussis, so infants with cold or cough symptoms, particularly if unvaccinated, should be taken to a healthcare provider immediately.