Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It causes severe coughing spells, often accompanied by a characteristic “whooping” sound during inhalation.
Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can be contracted by being in close proximity to an infected individual.
Whooping cough occurs worldwide, but outbreaks are more common in areas with lower vaccination rates. It can affect people of all ages, but infants and young children are at higher risk of severe complications.
Receiving the whooping cough vaccine is crucial in preventing the spread of pertussis and protecting against severe symptoms and potential complications, especially in vulnerable populations.
The whooping cough vaccine, also known as the pertussis vaccine, is a safe and effective immunisation that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.
Vaccinating against whooping cough is particularly important for adults, adolescents, and caregivers of infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated and are at the highest risk of severe illness.
Even if vaccinated individuals contract whooping cough, the illness is generally milder and less severe compared to those who have not received the vaccine.
The whooping cough vaccine is often administered as part of combination vaccines, such as the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine.
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