Whooping cough - what it is and how to prevent its spread
In recent years, it seems that the time of preventable diseases has passed. Thanks to effective vaccines, we were able to eradicate severe epidemics such as smallpox and polio. But despite the impressive progress, certain diseases still pose a significant threat, especially for young children. One of them is whooping cough.
Dr. Farah Hana, an expert in pediatrics and infectious diseases in general, Haifa and Western Galilee district explains about the disease and how the spread of the disease can be effectively and simply prevented by giving the pertussis vaccine.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis is a contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease is considered one of the most contagious diseases when the main source of infection is through exposure to saliva droplets splashed into the environment, urine, coughs or sneezes of the patient or by contact with the patient's hands infected with secretions. The incubation period of the disease from exposure to the development of symptoms ranges from 5-21 days and is manifested In severe coughing fits that last for weeks, the disease can cause respiratory arrest, suffocation and blueness in young babies and cause many complications and even death in toddlers and small babies.
How is pertussis diagnosed?
Whooping cough is usually not accompanied by high fever like other bacterial diseases. In order to verify the diagnosis, a molecular test by nasal swab (PCR) for whooping cough is necessary. Also, in a blood count, an increase in lymphocytes can be found, which supports the diagnosis of whooping cough.
Who is recommended to be vaccinated against pertussis?
For babies and children, starting at the age of two months. In Israel, the vaccine against pertussis is given as part of the routine vaccinations in the drops of milk to 6 weeks 4 months, 6 months, 12 months and after that, additional booster doses in the schools in the 28nd and XNUMXth grades. In addition, for pregnant women starting at week XNUMX. The vaccine provides a passive vaccine for newborns for the first months of their lives. It is very important to provide protection to newborns in the first months of life because the majority of severe whooping cough morbidity, hospitalizations, complications and even deaths are in this age group, because they are not yet vaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Why is vaccination important?
Vaccination against pertussis is a critical measure in preventing the spread of this dangerous disease. By ensuring high vaccination rates in the population, we can create "herd immunity", protecting those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or age reasons, such as newborns. Babies are especially vulnerable to serious complications of whooping cough. Vaccination of pregnant women and vaccination of family members and caregivers can provide additional protection for these infants.
How can pertussis be treated?
The main treatment for whooping cough is mainly antibiotic treatment for 5 days. In addition, preventive treatment is necessary for everyone who comes into contact with the patient, including members of the household, a daycare center or a kindergarten, regardless of age or the number of vaccinations they have received in the past. It is important to note that pertussis It can also occur in children who have been vaccinated against pertussis because as time passes from the administration of the vaccine there is a decline in immunity over time. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment can prevent further infections and the spread of the disease more quickly. Therefore, a child with a prolonged cough without a high fever or with One of the symptoms mentioned above and/or accompanied by coughing in the environment can be suspected of whooping cough. It is important to note that it is recommended to start antibiotic treatment even before receiving a laboratory answer, in combination with an appropriate history of exposure. The earlier the treatment is given, the more effective it is in shortening the duration of the disease .
In conclusion, preventing whooping cough through vaccination is the easiest and most recommended way to prevent the spread of the disease and is a cornerstone in public health efforts to protect individuals, families and communities.
