Critical Warning for Whooping Cough Symptoms in Illawarra
Understanding the Whooping Cough Situation
Illawarra parents need to be vigilant as whooping cough cases rise in the region. Public Health Director Curtis Gregory has reached out to schools and child care centers due to an "unseasonably high" number of whooping cough notifications, especially among school-aged children.
Symptoms to Watch For
The early signs of whooping cough resemble a cold: blocked or runny nose, sneezing, and a mild fever. Over time, these symptoms can escalate into severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing. Notably, some newborns may not cough at all but may experience severe breathing issues.
- Make sure your children are up to date on vaccinations.
- Pregnant women are advised to get whooping cough vaccines between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.
- Adults in contact with newborns should have received a pertussis vaccine within the last ten years.
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious whooping cough infections. Individuals displaying symptoms should consult a GP promptly. After starting antibiotics, individuals are typically no longer infectious after five days. However, without treatment, the infectious period can extend up to 21 days.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.