Whooping Cough ( Not live)

 

Pertussis, also known as Whooping cough or the 100 day cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis.

Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable, violent coughing fits.

When it affects the very young this can result in a “Whooping” sound. Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.

Adults who are not immune against Whooping Cough can pass the disease to children.

Children too young to be vaccinated against Whooping cough are particularly vulnerable and may be infected by their own parents or grandparents  

Whooping cough vaccine is normally given to pregnant women in the UK.

This travel vaccination  is a visa requirement for some countries eg those studying / working in the USA, whilst other countries require vaccination prior to visiting new born infant.

As an occupational physician with post graduate training in travel health, Dr Nomy can discuss whether Pertussis vaccination is appropriate and safe to be given.

For adults not vaccinated we can offer the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine.