Practice News

Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can be especially serious in small children and babies. The early stages of whooping cough, which may last a week or so, can be much like a heavy cold with a temperature and persistent cough. The cough becomes worse and usually, the characteristic ‘whoop’ develops. Coughing spasms are frequently worse at night and may be associated with vomiting. The cough can last for months. Hospital treatment may be needed if cough is severe or in small babies under 6 months of age. Antibiotics rarely affect the course of the illness but may reduce the period the individual is infectious. For more information: Whooping cough – NHS (www.nhs.uk) England is unfortunately seeing increasing rates of whooping cough in the first quarter of 2024. We expect these increasing rates to last for several months. 

If you are pregnant and unsure when your Whooping Cough vaccine is due, please contact the surgery.