Infectious illnesses in children -Whooping cough

Incubation period:

 6-21 days. 

Infectious period:

 from the first signs of the illness until about six weeks after coughing starts. If an antibiotic is given, the infectious period will continue for up to five days after starting treatment. Antibiotics need to be given early in the course of the illness in order to improve symptoms.

Symptoms:

• The symptoms are similar to a cold and cough, with the cough gradually getting worse.
• After about two weeks, coughing bouts start. These are exhausting and make it difficult to breathe.
• Younger children (babies under six months) are much more seriously affected and can have breath-holding or blue attacks, even before they develop a cough.
• Your child may choke and vomit.
• Sometimes, but not always, there will be a whooping noise as the child draws in breath after coughing.
• The coughing fits may continue for several weeks, and can continue for up to three months.

What to do:

• Whooping cough is best prevented through immunization.
• If your child has a cough that gets worse rather than better and starts to have longer fits of coughing more and more often, see your GP.
• It’s important for the sake of other children to know whether or not your child has whooping cough. Talk to your GP about how to look after your child. Avoid contact with babies, who are most at risk from serious complications.

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