Answer:
Whooping cough (Pertussis) is a highly contagious infection of
the respiratory (breathing) tract, caused by the bacterium
Bordetella pertussis. Young infants less than 6
months of age are at the greatest risk. Complications of
whooping cough include pneumonia (lung infection) which is the most
common cause of death sometimes compounded by seizures and lack of
oxygen to the brain.
Answer:
Whooping cough is spread through droplets released into the air
when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The disease
can also be spread through direct contact with fluid from the nose
or throat of an infected person.
Adults can be a source of infection and unknowingly spread the
disease to babies.
Please speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your risk
of whooping cough.
Answer:
A person's immunity to whooping cough after infection or
immunisation can decrease over time, placing them at risk of
infection.
Babies who have not yet received the full vaccination course
against whooping cough are at greatest risk of infection and
serious illness.
Other people may be at risk of pertussis infection. Please speak
to your doctor regarding your individual circumstances.
Answer:
Symptoms generally occur between 7 to 20 days after infection.
The illness begins with an irritating cough which gradually
develops into repeated bouts of coughing followed by a 'whoop'
sound when inhaling. The 'whoop' is particularly evident in
younger children, but may not always present in young infants,
older children and adults. These symptoms can last for 1 to 2
months or longer.
A person is most infectious in the early stages of illness and
can continue to spread the disease for up to 21 days after symptoms
appear.
Answer:
Whooping cough vaccination is recommended and provided free as
part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and is usually
given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age followed by a booster at 4 years
of age and one during adolescence as 12-17 years of age.
In Australia, vaccination against whooping cough is provided in
combination vaccines that also help protect against other
diseases.
It is important for children to complete the recommended course
of vaccinations on time to help protect them against the
disease.
Provided no previous booster of a pertussis containing vaccine
has been received, a single booster dose of pertussis vaccine is
recommended for adults planning a pregnancy, new parents,
grandparents and other carers of young children. The booster dose
is recommended for parents as soon as possible after delivery of an
infant.
Other individuals may also be at risk of whooping cough. Please
discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.
A range of side effects may be experienced following
vaccination. Discuss any concerns you have with your healthcare
professional and inform them if you, or a member of your family
experience any side effects as you may need treatment.