Here’s how whooping cough affects the whole family (and what you can do)
Are you an expecting parent, new parent or grandparent? Perhaps you work with infants and young children? Maybe you have asthma or care for someone who does? Something connects you: An increased need to protect yourself and your family from whooping cough.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection, able to spread extremely easily and quickly develop into a concerning respiratory illness in vulnerable people.
Why vaccinate against whooping cough?
- An unfair split: Infants under six months old are the most at-risk group, though adults more commonly spread the infection.†
- It can affect vulnerable people: Asthmatics are more likely both to catch whooping cough. They are also more likely to need to go to hospital because of its complications.1, 3
Whooping cough doesn’t only affect babies.
It can seriously disrupt adults’ lives too.
Imagine:
Forget your usual routine. Adults may also become seriously ill, with months of coughing that can affect work, family, social life and sleep. (Imagine uncontrollable coughing fits during videocalls, while driving or when trying to sleep. That would be isolating at best and dangerous at worst.)
Too many sickies. Do you have 10 spare days of sick leave up your sleeve? That’s the average number of days work lost while sick with whooping cough. You could get plenty more done than feel awful at home!
Highly contagious – Not every person is symptomatic meaning it’s possible to carry whooping cough without knowing. Incredibly, each person with whooping cough can pass it on to up to 17 others.2 Then, once brought home, vulnerable family members have a 90% chance of contracting the disease.Δ
Leigh Crayford
TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist
Maitland, NSW
What’s the takeaway?
Unlike some vaccinations, whooping cough immunity fades over time. If you haven't had a booster in the past 10 years, it's a good idea to book one. This will help protect yourself, as well as the babies and kids around you. Ask your TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacist for more.
Disclaimer
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.