Experts at ChemistDirect urge expectant mums to get vaccinated against whooping cough
London (PRWEB UK) 29 July 2013 -- Cases of whooping cough are expected to rise over the summer months according to Public Health England, which is encouraging local NHS and public health teams to increase efforts to vaccinate pregnant women.1
Nursing in Practice estimates that around 60% of eligible pregnant women take the vaccine, which offers babies with protection until they are old enough to have their routine vaccines. 1
But what is whooping cough, which is also known as the 100-day cough?
It is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways, which usually begins with a persistent dry and irritating cough that progresses to intense bouts of coughing. They are followed by a distinctive ‘whooping’ noise, and other symptoms include a runny nose, raised temperature and vomiting after coughing – which can last for around three months.
ChemistDirect Superintendent Pharmacist Omar El-Gohary said: “Whooping cough tends to be cyclical, peaking every five years or so. It is more endemic in Summer/Autumn and we're having one of those 'peaks' right now.”
“Those at higher risk include neonates especially as UK immunisation programs start at two months old. It is therefore essential that all pregnant women over 28 weeks get vaccinated to pass on this immunity through the placenta.”
The infection is passed from person to person through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. If it is diagnosed during the first three weeks of infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. This is to prevent the infection being passed onto others.
Babies under six months are more likely to be admitted to hospital, as they are most at risk of complications, such as severe breathing difficulties. Children with whooping cough should be kept away from school or nursery for five days from the time they start taking antibiotics.
According to NHS Direct, most cases of whooping cough now occur in adults whose immunity has faded (after having the vaccination as a child) and their symptoms tend to be less serious. 2
References
1. http://www.nursinginpractice.com/article/remain-focused-giving-whooping-cough-vaccine
2. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Whooping-cough/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Samantha Smith, Chemist Direct, 0121 541 4952, [email protected]
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