Persistent cough? Be aware of whooping cough
Europe is currently facing a resurgence of whooping cough cases, and Luxembourg is not spared.
Whooping cough, also known as convulsive cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by violent and repeated coughing fits that can last for several weeks.
Transmission and symptoms
Whooping cough is transmitted through the air, via saliva droplets released during coughing or sneezing in close contact.
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The symptoms of whooping cough usually begin with a common cold, including a mild cough and a runny nose. After one to two weeks, the cough worsens and turns into violent and repeated fits, which can lead to breathing difficulties, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. In infants, whooping cough can be particularly severe, even fatal. |
Contagiousness
Contagion begins as soon as the cold symptoms appear and reaches its peak during the first week of coughing. Without treatment, it lasts three weeks, but only five days after the start of effective antibiotic therapy.
How to protect yourself
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself against whooping cough. The main one is vaccination. The whooping cough vaccine is part of the recommended vaccines for all children, with regular boosters throughout life. It is also recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated against whooping cough during pregnancy to protect their newborn.
In addition to vaccination, it is important to follow basic hygiene measures to protect yourself against whooping cough: wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people.
In case of suspected whooping cough
It is important to consult a doctor quickly to implement appropriate treatment and prevent the spread of the disease to others.
In summary, whooping cough is a preventable respiratory disease through vaccination and basic hygiene measures. However, it can be severe for infants and vulnerable individuals. Do not hesitate to talk to your doctor for more information.
Useful link: https://sante.public.lu/fr/espace-professionnel/recommandations/conseil-maladies-infectieuses/coqueluche.html