Q1 - What is whooping cough and how is it spread?

Whooping cough (or pertussis) is a highly contagious disease that is caused by bacteria that are found in the nose and throat of an infected person. It is spread from one person to another through close contact - e.g, when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs.

Q2 - What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

The symptoms are different in adults and babies.

BABIES

Whooping cough in babies begins with flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough which lasts 1 to 2 weeks. They then develop a thick, sticky mucus in the windpipe, which makes it very hard for them to eat, drink and breathe. A baby's lips and nails may turn blue due to lack of oxygen. They may also experience vomiting and gagging episodes after the coughing spells; this can often leave them completely exhausted. The 'whoop' is the loud gasp babies make as they struggle to breathe in through narrowed airway passages between the coughing spasms

ADULTS

Adults often don't have the usual 'whoop' cough, so many cases are often mistaken for a bad chest cold or bronchitis. Although cases in adults are considered mild, they are still highly contagious and can easily be unknowingly passed on to others.

Q3 - How serious is whooping cough?

Babies less than 6 months old who are not immunised or who are not fully immunised, are at highest risk of getting severe whooping cough. This can lead to potentially life-threatening complications including pneumonia, brain damage and even death. Over 83% of those who are hospitalised with whooping cough are less than 1 year old.

Q4 - How common is whooping cough?

Whooping cough cases are on the rise, with epidemics occurring every 3-4 years. From 2002-2006, there were approximately 41,000 cases of whooping cough in Australia. Although many of us think whooping cough is a childhood illness, 90% of cases are now in adults over 20 years of age.

Q5 - How can I prevent whooping cough as an adult?

The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is through a booster vaccination.

Q6 - How does the vaccine work?

The vaccine works by causing the body to produce its own protection against whooping cough. It does this by making antibodies in the blood, which fight the bacteria that cause the disease. If a vaccinated person comes into contact with the bacteria, the body is usually ready to destroy them. The vaccine will not give you or your child whooping cough.

Q7 - Do babies have antibodies from their mother?

Babies are born with maternal antibodies however this does not give adequate protection against whooping cough. Antibodies transferred to the baby through breast milk will not provide adequate protection either. As a result, babies can be infected before they are old enough to be fully vaccinated.

Q8 - Am I still protected if I had my whooping cough vaccinations as a child (or teenager)?

Whether you have been vaccinated for whooping cough before or you've had the disease, your immunity does not last forever so you should get a booster.

Q9 - Which adults should have a whooping cough booster?

In order to prevent adult to child transmission of whooping cough, The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recommends the following groups have a whooping cough booster*:

• Women planning a pregnancy
• New parents (as soon as possible after the baby is born)
• Any adult who wishes to protect themselves against whooping cough e.g. grandparents
• Adults working with young children e.g. childcare workers
• All healthcare workers

* Those who have not had a previous adolescent or adult booster.

Q10 - What should I do if I have whooping cough?

If you suspect you may have whooping cough, please make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. As you may be contagious, antibiotics can be prescribed to help prevent the infection spreading. There is however a short period of time in which these must be taken in order to be effective.