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Whooping cough or pertussis is one of the most distressing childhood illnesses. It begins with symptoms similar to a bad cold, there may be a lot of mucus in the nose or mouth, approximately two weeks later the child begins to have violent coughing fits that make it impossible to breathe. As the coughing stops, there is a "whoop" sound, as the child gasps to let air into their lungs. Finally, the child will bring up some phlegm and may even vomit. These coughing fits can occur up to forty times a day and the disease can last for up to eight weeks.

Pertussis is caused by a virus and no treatment is available, although antibiotics are sometimes given in the early stages. Very young babies and others at heightened risk because they suffer from asthma for example need to be monitored closely; this often means hospitalisation.

Although whooping cough is rarely fatal, except in very young infants, it is very debilitating, sufferers frequently lose a lot of weight during the duration of the illness.

Whooping cough is highly infectious. Care needs to be taken to ensure that a sufferer is kept out of contact with anyone who is at risk.

The sad thing is that most cases of whooping cough are preventable. A vaccine is available, which is normally given initially in 3 separate doses given at monthly intervals, with the first one given when the baby is two months old.

Learn more about this author, Celia Craske.
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