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General health information

Whooping cough

Whooping cough is an infectious respiratory illness that often starts like an ordinary cold and can later cause severe coughing fits. Young babies in particular are at risk of serious symptoms, including pauses in breathing, turning blue and exhaustion. It spreads through coughing and sneezing, often before it is clear that the illness is whooping cough. Vaccination, including during pregnancy, helps protect babies but does not completely prevent illness.

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  • Whooping cough is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
  • During the first few days it often resembles an ordinary cold, so people can infect others before the diagnosis is clear.
  • Long, exhausting coughing fits often develop later, sometimes with a whoop when breathing in or vomiting after coughing.
  • Young babies in particular are at risk of serious problems, including pauses in breathing, turning blue, poor feeding and exhaustion.
  • Vaccination reduces the chance of severe illness, and vaccination during pregnancy helps protect a newborn baby.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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