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Australian Prescriber Vol. 32 No. 2 2009
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious disease caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease causes coughing fits that often end with a high-pitched whooping sound when taking a breath in. The cough sometimes causes vomiting. In older children and adults the symptoms may be milder. There is often no whoop, just a persistent cough.
Most people in Australia have been immunised against whooping cough, however the protective effects of the vaccine can wear off in later childhood. All babies should receive a course of vaccinations before they are one year of age, and children should have a booster injection at four and during the teenage years. The vaccine is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccinations.
Antibiotics can help if whooping cough is caught early. They may also be given to make someone less contagious. Certain people who have been in contact with someone with whooping cough, particularly women in late pregnancy and unvaccinated babies, may be given antibiotics to reduce their chances of catching the disease.
