2024-01-23 12:50:52
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that is transmitted by droplets and direct contact. This is a notifiable disease in Quebec. In other words, when they detect a case of whooping cough, laboratory staff and health professionals must inform public health authorities.
Here’s what you need to know regarding this disease, whether you’re in Florida or elsewhere.
Symptoms
Signs of whooping cough generally appear 5 to 10 days, sometimes even 21 days, following contamination. The illness lasts on average 6 to 10 weeks, or even longer in adolescents. The symptoms associated with this infection are:
• Loss of appetite;
• A slight fever;
• Runny nose and eyes;
• Violent coughing fits which may end in vomiting (a typical loud whistling sound also often occurs on inspiration following coughing);
• Pauses in breathing (apnea) in babies under one year old.
Complications
Potential complications of whooping cough include fractures, hernias, seizures, pneumonia, ear infections, brain damage and, in the worst cases, death.
Treatments
If the sick person has been coughing for less than three weeks, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. This treatment will help reduce the risk of disease transmission rather than relieving symptoms. To treat fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally recommended.
Prevention
Whooping cough can be particularly harmful, especially in infants and pregnant women. Therefore, vaccination is the best way to protect yourself once morest this disease. You should also follow basic prevention measures (respiratory hygiene, hand disinfection, etc.) to reduce the risks.
Only a healthcare professional can diagnose whooping cough. If you have excessive coughing, consult without delay!
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