At three years and four months, children are given a 4-in-1 preschool booster, and although this doesn't offer lifelong protection, it can help prevent children getting whooping cough when young and vulnerable to the effect of infection. American scientists recently suggested that the whooping cough vaccine isn't as effective as it used to be because the bacteria it fights have undergone genetic changes. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention analysed samples from patients with whooping cough between and and found the bacteria had mutated over time, meaning the current vaccine is no longer a perfect match.
The exact reason has not yet been identified and may be due to several factors including children not vaccinated, time since last vaccination and possibilities of a mutation of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium which causes whooping cough," states Munzu. However, the current vaccines are still the most effective prevention for whooping cough with several benefits and should be recommended especially for babies, young children and vulnerable patients.
Whooping cough is a nasty condition, particularly for babies and young children. Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of the disease. Vaccination, although perhaps not as effective as it once was, is still the best line of defence against this contagious infection.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. Our picks for Is it whooping cough or just a cold?
How to ask kids about their health We all know the different feelings that come with being unwell. How to ask kids about their health. Coughs, colds and sore throats: is honey better than over-the-counter treatments? We've expanded your view You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Search Close Search. Contributor Charles Weiss, M. Is it a cold or is it whooping cough? Weiss says there are two key ways parents can protect their families.
Get vaccinated — Although the vaccine is not percent protective, it significantly lowers the risk of getting the disease. It also lessens the severity of illness if you get sick with whooping cough, and reduces the odds you could spread it to others. Know the symptoms — Proper care with antibiotics may help lessen symptoms. Antibiotics also help contain the illness, making your child less contagious.
Warning Signs of Whooping Cough Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms — a runny nose, mild cough and perhaps a low fever. Related Articles. Having Trouble Breastfeeding? More Resources. Medical Library Look up helpful health information. Diseases and Conditions See our full library of diseases and conditions.
Patient Information Practical info for Sutter patients. Tools and Quizzes Online tools to help you make decisions about your health. The Sutter Health Network of Care. Expertise to fit your needs. This creates antibodies that the mother transmits to the baby, which protects the baby for weeks to months after birth, when infants are most susceptible to illnesses such as whooping cough. Whooping cough is usually treated with antibiotics. Rest, plenty of fluids and a humidifier to keep the air moist will also help speed recovery.
Over-the-counter cough remedies are not recommended. Infants and children with severe pertussis may have to be admitted to the hospital for treatment. Our job is to help you distinguish a run-of-the-mill cold from something more serious. Shalauta said. New reports about the spread of whooping cough in California have hit home in San Diego.
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