: +852 2951 1988
: +852 2951 1999
: +852 5606 9390
: +852 5606 9390
Coughing means COVID-19 infection? Whooping cough may cause pneumonia as well
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is spread by droplets from direct contact with the patients, and is highly contagious and can be fatal. According to research, patients with whooping cough are more susceptible to infection with the new coronavirus, which in turn increases the risk of complications such as pneumonia.
Whooping cough is more contagious than flu
One case can lead to as many as 17 new cases
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends all people aged 19 or above should receive a pertussis combined vaccine every 10 years
Swindon Medical provides the Pertussis Combined Vaccine service
People with weak immunity, the elderly, or patients with chronic diseases may have more severe symptoms after infection, often complicated by serious diseases such as pneumonia and kidney failure, and need to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination against Pertussis can effectively prevent the disease, alleviate the conditions and reduce the risk of complications.
Name of the Vaccine: Boostrix (intramuscular injection in the arm)
Suitable for: Aged 4 or above
Number of Doses: 1 dose
Recommended priority groups for vaccination
Guard against Pertussis and prevent double viral infection
Consult your doctor now to know more
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. Patients may have no specific symptoms at the beginning, only runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and coughing. But the cough can become increasingly severe and intensified, preventing the patient from eating and breathing. The bacteria can infect the lungs, which can lead to convulsions and unconsciousness in severe cases. Pertussis is highly contagious that anyone can be infected, but infants and young children under six months of age are at higher risk of serious complications (and even death).
Possible Complications
Coinfection makes the condition worse
-
Having asthma increases coughing days by 25%
-
According to a study, COVID-19 patients who contracted Pertussis at the same time will develop worse conditions than those who suffered from pneumonia only
-
Suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will increase the chance of hospitalization by 2 times
Prevention
Get vaccinated
The Pertussis vaccine is effective in preventing Pertussis. Pregnant women, regardless of previous pertussis vaccination or infection, are recommended to receive one dose of acellular pertussis vaccine at any time during the second or third trimester of each pregnancy as part of routine antenatal care. Preferably, them should get vaccinated before the 35th week. Antibodies produced by the vaccine in pregnant women can be passed across the placenta to the fetus, providing direct protection to infants against pertussis infection before they are vaccinated.
Maintaining Good Personal Hygiene
Keep your hands clean at all times. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water, rub your hands for at least 20 seconds; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. In case of developing symptoms of respiratory infection, wear a surgical mask, refrain from going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places, and seek medical consultations as soon as possible.
