WHOOPING COUGH 
What is the scientific name of it ?

Pertussis . It is caused by the Bordetella Pertussis germ.

What is it ?

This is one relic of the older times ( when successful vaccination was not freely available ) that our grandparents and parents know better than we do !

There is a marked and easily identified cough that distresses the parent as much as it troubles the child sufferer.

The cough comes as long bouts and is marked by an unmistakable “whoop’ sound at the end of the bout of cough.

The cough is so severe as to cause vomiting and extreme discomfort.

In developing countries it is still considered an important cause of death.

Occasionally , the severity of the cough may even cause fainting,fits and brain hemorrhage.

Does it still happen despite the Pertussis Vaccine ( DPT ) that we take routinely ?

There is growing concern about the resurgence of Pertussis in adolescence and adults.

We are talking of waning immunity to the vaccine with age and thus making people susceptible to Whooping Cough.

This is the reason we are now developing a better Booster vaccine for adolescents and we are hopeful of covering this new issue.

Protection ?

The standard DPT Vaccine ( this contains Diphtheria,Pertussis and Tetanus ) taken as 3 shots beginning 6 weeks of age and a booster at 18 months. This is called the DPwT ( the pertussis component is specified ).

There is also another DPT that is known more specifically as DPaT.This is the alternative that does not cause the usual side effects of the standard DPT ( like fever,pain and swelling ).

Both are effective against Whooping Cough.

Do NOT miss the booster at 18 months and at 5 years age.