In times of the COVID-19 pandemic, any symptom that resembles a cold causes us anxiety. However, it is worth remembering that some flu-like symptoms may be a sign of pertussis infection. One of them is the cough that occurs with both whooping cough and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Are the two diseases different? How to protect yourself from whooping cough?

  1. Whooping cough is a very contagious disease. Contrary to appearances, it does not only concern children
  2. Pertussis symptoms resemble COVID-19 – patients mainly complain of a strong, persistent cough
  3. We advise you on how to distinguish between these two ailments and how to protect yourself from whooping cough
  4. You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or whooping cough, is associated primarily with childhood disease. However, according to statistics, more than half of infections occur in people over the age of 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that about 150 people suffer from whooping cough every year. people.

This highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract is transmitted by airborne droplets, and therefore can be infected by direct contact with a sick person. Whooping cough in adults is usually not very specific and therefore it is difficult to make a quick and correct diagnosis. And this ultimately translates into the low statistics of this disease. The actual number of cases is much higher.

It is not optimistic that every fourth person in Poland suffering from whooping cough requires hospitalization. In 2019, there were 1 thousand. 629 cases. Although this number decreased in 2020 (743), it is possible that the reason for such a decrease is related to the pandemic situation and the reluctance to conduct regular diagnostic tests, as well as the fear of infection with SARS-CoV-2 at the point of collection. The actual incidence may therefore be higher than the official statistics.

Complications after the disease are especially dangerous for seniors. In 40 percent patients over 60 years of age develop, inter alia, pneumonia, hernia and urinary incontinence. Rib fractures are also more common.

Similarities and differences between whooping cough and COVID-19

The only similarities between the symptoms of COVID-19 and whooping cough are coughing and shortness of breath. You may also have a mild fever with whooping cough. In both diseases, the cough can be very persistent, strong and long-lasting (up to two weeks)therefore it is difficult to differentiate between COVID-19 and whooping cough by considering this symptom alone.

The pertussis toxin produced by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes epithelial necrosis in the respiratory tract, leading to the secretion of thick, sticky mucus that triggers the cough reflex. A series of severe coughs may be followed by so-called An inhalation whistle that resembles a rooster crowing.

How to protect yourself from whooping cough?

Vaccination is the best method to prevent whooping cough. It is an indispensable element of caring for health in adulthood. For the prevention of whooping cough in adults, combined vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, cell-free, with reduced antigen content are used.

Whooping cough immunization is compulsory and free for children and teenagers. In adulthood, they are recommended and payable additionally. However, it should be remembered that a booster dose is recommended every 10 years – protection after vaccination lasts up to 10 years.

Typical local adverse reactions to vaccinations (NOPs) are pain and redness at the injection site. Severe cases of NOP are very rare, occurring once in 10 doses administered.

This may interest you:

  1. The first symptoms resemble a cold. Even doctors find it difficult to recognize
  2. Three vaccinations every adult should get – it’s not about COVID-19
  3. Whooping cough “does not look” at age

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