Whooping cough: what is this disease and how to avoid it

Whooping cough is an infectious disease in which the upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed and there is a strong, long-lasting, paroxysmal cough. The disease is usually acute, it is extremely dangerous for young children (especially under the age of 1 year). Most often, whooping cough is ill for children under 5 years of age who were not vaccinated in time.
The causative agent of pertussis is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, infection occurs through airborne droplets. The bacterium secretes toxins, and they, in turn, irritate the respiratory mucosa. The result is a spasm of the bronchi and diaphragm, which leads to strong coughing attacks. Whooping cough is very contagious, especially during contact with patients from day 1 to day 25 of the disease. It is noteworthy that the immunity after suffering whooping cough is often lifelong.
Symptoms of the disease Continue reading →