If you or a family member have a prolonged, persistent debilitating cough that causes the following, consult your doctor immediately:

• Vomiting

• Face turning red or blue

• Difficulty breathing or having noticeable pauses in breathing

• Inhaling with a whooping sound in between coughing fits

Whooping cough can be particularly risky for babies, especially those younger than 1 year old. Coughing fits in children can lead to difficulty in breathing and other complications such as:4

• Brain damage or bleeding on the brain

• Pneumonia

• Seizures

• Apnea

• Convulsions

In teens and adults, untreated whooping cough can also lead to pneumonia. Severe cough can also cause:

• Abdominal hernias

• Bruised ribs

• Broken blood vessels

• Poor bladder control

• Difficulty sleeping

Because the symptoms of whooping cough are similar to cold, flu, or bronchitis, it can be hard to diagnose early on. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and whether you have had contact with a person who has whooping cough.5

If your doctor suspects you may have whooping cough, they may recommend tests such as:

• Nose and/or throat swab test to identify the presence of the bacteria
• Blood test to check your white blood cell count
• Imaging test (e.g., x-ray) to examine complications such as pneumonia

Antibiotics are a prescribed treatment for whooping cough as they minimise the risk of spreading the disease. Individuals who take antibiotics will no longer be contagious 5 days after starting medications.

To relieve your symptoms, you can try the following tips:

• Get plenty of rest and fluids

• Eat small, frequent meals to prevent vomiting

• Avoid cigarette smoke

In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required to treat and manage complications. Infants are at the most risk of developing severe complications, so take them to your doctor immediately upon noticing the symptoms early on.

With whooping cough epidemics generally occurring every three to five years in Australia, the Immunisation Foundation of Australia declares November 8 as Whooping Cough Day. This campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease and the significance of vaccination in protecting individuals and communities from its potentially severe consequences. With an emphasis on adult, pregnancy, and childhood vaccinations, the campaign encourages individuals to stay up-to-date with their boosters for whooping cough as well as practise good hygiene to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Getting vaccinated is your best protection against the disease and aids in preventing most whooping cough complications. It also lessens the risk of spreading the bacteria, thus minimising the cases in the community and protecting the vulnerable populations who are young or unable to get vaccinated.

The National Immunisation Program recommends whooping cough vaccination for the following age groups as well as other groups not listed below here- go to this link for more information  Recommendations | Pertussis (whooping cough) | The Australian Immunisation Handbook (health.gov.au):6

• Children: 6 doses of vaccine
• Pregnant women: between 20-32 weeks during pregnancy
• Adults age 50 and 65 and over
• Healthcare and childcare workers as well as people travelling overseas who have not received a booster in the last 10 years

It is generally recommended to receive 6 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine during childhood, then one dose as a booster for adults. Talk to your doctor about how many doses are recommended for you and when is the best time to receive them.

Apart from immunisation against pertussis, having good hygiene and health habits can minimise the risk of spreading and catching pertussis. Properly and regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially if you come into contact with someone with whooping cough. Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and stay at home when you’re sick.