Whooping cough

Whooping cough epidemic reaches record numbers:

We are in the middle of a whooping cough outbreak.  So, it’s worth checking whether or not your whooping cough (Pertussis) immunisation is up to date.

What is whooping cough and why is it important:

Whooping cough (otherwise known as Pertussis) is a respiratory illness that is known to cause a one hundred day cough. It can be deadly for infants and can lead to severe illness in older children and adults, especially if there is asthma or chronic lung disease.

Are you properly vaccinated?

Most of us assume we are vaccinated as we had the vaccine as part of our childhood vaccinations or we have had it in the past. However, immunity wanes after about 5-10 years and for most of us, we are overdue for a booster.

What you can do to prevent Whooping cough:

If you haven’t had whooping cough booster or Whooping cough in the last 10 years, then talk to the doctors or practice nurse about getting a Whooping cough booster. This is particularly important if:

·        You are pregnant

·        You will be in contact with a little baby

·        You are over 65

·        You have asthma or a chronic lung disease

·        You are on immunosuppressants

‍