Whooping cough

In recent years, there have been more cases of whooping cough. The disease is especially dangerous for babies. What actually is whooping cough and how can we protect ourselves?

Whooping cough is a bacterial disease of the respiratory tract that is transmitted by the small fluid droplets that are spread during heavy coughing fits. The disease is especially dangerous for babies and can even be fatal. Adults mainly suffer from a prolonged cough.

Whooping cough is not only dangerous in babies and young children, but also during pregnancy. Due to the intense coughing fits, whooping cough can cause premature birth or miscarriage.

A vaccination campaign was launched to reduce the number of whooping cough cases. Vaccination is recommended for all pregnant women between weeks 24 and 32 of pregnancy. The baby will receive antibodies against whooping cough via the umbilical cord. Mothers should also receive this vaccination if they have been vaccinated previously. The partner, other children and grandparents must also be vaccinated.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024