Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways, is making an alarming comeback in England. Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency paints a worrying picture: since November 2023, nine infants have tragically lost their lives to this preventable disease. The numbers are stark – 2,591 confirmed cases in May alone, with a total of 7,599 cases reported since January 2024.
While more than half of these cases have been in individuals over 14 years old, who typically experience milder symptoms, the real concern lies with the 262 cases in babies under three months. These little ones are at the highest risk of severe complications and, sadly, death.
Why are we seeing this surge? Whooping cough tends to peak every three to five years, and we’re currently overdue for such a peak. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal disease patterns, leading to fewer cases in recent years. This has resulted in lower immunity levels across the population, setting the stage for a potentially significant outbreak.
Another crucial factor is the declining vaccination rates among pregnant women. In March 2024, only 58.9% of expectant mothers received the whooping cough vaccine, a sharp drop from the 72.6% uptake in March 2017. This decline leaves more newborns vulnerable to infection in their first months of life.
At Zoom Health, we’re deeply concerned about this trend and urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated. The jab, typically given between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, passes vital protection to the baby in the womb. This safeguards the infant during those critical first months before they can receive their own vaccines.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly infectious illness that affects the bronchial tubes and lungs. While it can strike at any age, young children are particularly vulnerable to its effects. The good news is that in the UK, whooping cough has become relatively rare thanks to an effective vaccination programme. However, as we’ve seen from recent data, we can’t afford to be complacent.
The culprit behind whooping cough is a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It’s one of the most contagious bacterial infections known to us. The bacteria spread through fine droplets of moisture produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you inhale these droplets, you might find yourself battling whooping cough.
The symptoms of whooping cough can be tricky to spot at first. They often mimic a common cold – you might have a runny nose, a slight fever, and a bit of a cough. But don’t be fooled – this early stage is when the illness is most contagious.
As the disease progresses, the cough becomes more severe and violent. You might find yourself coughing in spells that can last over a minute. It’s after these coughing fits that you might hear the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound as you gasp for air. This is where whooping cough gets its name, though not everyone with the illness will make this sound. This stage typically lasts for 2-4 weeks, but the cough can persist for much longer.
For most people, whooping cough can be managed at home without specific treatment. Plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any fever are usually sufficient. However, if a doctor catches whooping cough early, they might prescribe antibiotics. These can help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent it from spreading to others.
While whooping cough is unpleasant for anyone, it can be particularly distressing for young children. The long bouts of coughing can be exhausting and often lead to vomiting and choking. In rare cases, especially in babies under six months, whooping cough can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. In extremely rare instances, it can even cause brain damage due to lack of oxygen during severe coughing fits.
Prevention is Key
At Zoom Health, we can’t stress enough the importance of prevention when it comes to whooping cough. Vaccination is our most powerful tool in the fight against this disease. The whooping cough vaccine is typically given as part of the six-in-one vaccine (also protecting against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and hepatitis B) at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age.
Children are then offered a pre-school booster, usually around 3 years and 4 months. If a child hasn’t been vaccinated, they can still get the jab up to the age of 10. This comprehensive vaccination schedule aims to provide lifelong protection against whooping cough.
For pregnant women, the whooping cough vaccine is a crucial part of antenatal care. It’s offered in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. This timing allows the mother’s body to produce antibodies that pass through the placenta to the baby, providing protection from birth until the infant can receive their own vaccines.
If you’re pregnant, you can get the vaccine through your GP or at some antenatal clinics. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about it – it’s a simple step that can make a world of difference to your baby’s health.
Recognising Whooping Cough
If you’re worried about whooping cough, it’s important to know what to look out for. The early signs can be subtle – a runny nose and sore throat that might easily be mistaken for a common cold. After about a week, you might notice coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and tend to be worse at night.
In young babies, the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound might be present after a bout of coughing, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, babies might have difficulty breathing after coughing, which can be very frightening for parents.
If you suspect whooping cough, it’s crucial to stay at home and avoid contact with others. Don’t go to work, school, or nursery until 48 hours after starting antibiotics. If you haven’t had antibiotics, you should isolate for two weeks after symptoms start. This helps prevent the spread of the infection to others.
At Zoom Health, we’re committed to keeping our community informed and healthy. If you have any concerns about whooping cough or vaccinations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Remember, when it comes to whooping cough, prevention is always better than cure.
Photo “Whooping Cough” by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Health
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