Facts about Whooping Cough

We all have heard of whooping cough. It is a bacterial infection caused by Bortedella pertussis. Usually children are affected by this disease, however, due to bacterial infection; even adults can be affected by this. There are several prominent symptoms of whooping cough. We share a few of them with you and we have also compiled various unknown facts about this disease. Read on to know more about it.

Some prominent symptoms of whooping cough:

Whooping cough is associated with excessive coughing and irritation in the throat. In babies, the cough runs more violent in the night. The cough initially starts as mild, but gradually worsens. It is also associated with fever and irritable nose. Babies turn red with breathing trouble and choking. It is more noticeable in adults than in infants or babies.

Is whooping cough contagious?

Whooping cough is extremely contagious. It is an air-borne disease than can pass on to one patient from another through air, saliva, sneezing, coughing or just being in close contact. Whooping cough is contagious till the patient shows the evident symptoms. The bacterium is highly contagious. One should take care of the patient and isolate his/her daily usages for at least 15-20 days, till the symptoms go weak.

Doing away with whooping cough:

The best way to treat to do away with whooping cough is to stay away from the person affected. The daily usages like clothes, bed sheets, etc should be kept isolated for at least 15 days to avoid contamination. The patient should try to stay away from other people except for indispensable people like nurses or parents.

There are vaccines for babies to avoid whooping cough. One must get their child vaccinated after birth.

Prevention is better than cure:

In case you see symptoms similar to that of whooping cough, consult a doctor immediately. Do not indulge in self-medication. The doctor will ensure a saliva test and see if the results are positive or negative. Remember, prevention is way better than cure. Always make sure to consult a doctor in case of such symptoms.

Remember these simple facts and whooping cough will never be a health concern for you!