Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It is also known as '100-day cough.'
In light of the rising cases of 100-day cough in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service has informed people about the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the infection.
The early symptoms of whooping cough appear seven to ten days after infection. They include mild fever, runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
After ten days, a 100-day cough develops into a hacking cough and then a whooping one. The symptoms can sometimes last for weeks or months. Excessive coughing can cause rib pain, or in extreme cases, hernia, in adults.
Although whooping cough affects all ages, it is most dangerous for babies and toddlers. Moreover, babies under the age of six months have a higher chance of suffering from pneumonia, breathing issues, and seizures.
Pregnant women must get vaccinated to protect their babies from the time they are born. Doses are also available to protect young children from whooping cough. These doses come in three parts, taken at eight, 12 and 16 weeks old.
If diagnosed with a 100-day cough, the treatment will depend on your age and how long you've had the infection. For adults, the treatment might include the intake of antibiotics, which does not reduce symptoms but helps stop them from spreading to others.