Babies and Whooping Cough
It feels like we live in a world focused on COVID-19. However there are other illnesses we need to be aware of when looking after our babies.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection affecting the lungs. It is caused by Bordetella Pertussis also known as Pertussis. Whooping cough is very contagious. It is spread by droplet and contaminated objects or surfaces. Whooping cough causes a distressing cough in our children that ends in a high-pitched sound like a ‘whoop’ when your child breathes in (hence where the name whooping cough comes from).
Note: Whooping cough is a medical emergency in babies under 6 months of age.
Signs and Symptoms of Whooping Cough:
- Runny nose
- Distinctive ‘whoop’ cough (can last for up to 10 weeks in children)
- Difficulty breathing in children under 6 months
- Pauses in breathing in children under 6 months
When to seek help for your children:
- If your child is having difficulty breathing call 000 immediately for an ambulance.
- If your child appears stable and you suspect your child has whooping cough, take them to see your local doctor for assessment.
- Your doctor will direct you on the most appropriate treatment and care. They might direct you to the nearest emergency department for additional support if required.
- Remember to TRUST your GUT, and seek professional medical assistance if you are concerned for your child.
How can we prevent whopping cough in our children?
The best way to prevent whooping cough is immunisation for yourself, your baby and your loved ones intending on visiting your baby. It is recommended that all mothers have the whooping cough vaccination in their third trimester of each pregnancy. This usually occurs around 28-32 weeks. Babies cannot be immunised for whooping cough until six weeks of age. Whooping cough is then apart of the government’s vaccine schedule, where they will have a number of doses to ensure they are covered. The vaccination schedule for whooping cough finishes at 13 years of age. This dose will last for approximately 10 years. This is why it is important for our loved ones to have a booster dose prior to meeting our babies. This will ensure they are kept safe, as it is often the adults that transfer this illness to young children.
Remember your baby, your rules - to keep everyone safe and out of the emergency department. For more information sign up to our Baby First Aid, CPR Health education course.