Whooping cough is on the rise; ensure your vaccinations are up to date

    Friday, 12 April 2024 12:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Antibiotics can effectively treat it especially when administered early in the course of the illness.

    There’s been an increase of whooping cough and the  Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) is encouraging people to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. It typically begins with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild fever and cough. As it progresses, individuals may experience episodes of severe, prolonged coughing, often accompanied by a distinctive "whooping" sound during inhalation. These coughing fits can persist for up to eight weeks. Antibiotics can effectively treat it especially when administered early in the course of the illness. However, vaccination remains the most effective method of prevention.

     

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