HEALTH
February 14, 2020
By Befitbu Health Desk
Whooping Cough Overview
1.
Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, leads to severe coughing fits and respiratory distress.
Transmission
2.
Spread through respiratory droplets, with infants and young children at higher risk.
Key Symptoms
3.
Uncontrollable coughing, "whoop" sound, runny nose, fever, vomiting.
Disease Phases
4.
Catarrhal, paroxysmal, convalescent stages.
Complications
5.
Pneumonia, ear infections, seizures, dehydration, breathing cessation.
Diagnosis
6.
Combines clinical evaluation, PCR, and chest X-ray.
Treatment
7.
Antibiotics (azithromycin, erythromycin) shorten symptoms.
Prevention
8.
DTaP vaccine in infancy and childhood.
Booster Shots
9.
Tdap boosters for adolescents and adults.
Community Immunity
10.
High vaccination rates lower outbreak risk, protect vulnerable populations.