Whooping cough explained

WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH?

Pertussis, known more commonly as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection that causes a long coughing illness. Although the infection is mild in adults, it can be life-threatening for babies.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Whooping cough is known as the "100-day cough" because symptoms can last for as long as three months. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and dry cough. After that, a more definite cough develops. Some children cough so much they vomit.

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

It's easily spread from person-to-person via droplets from close contact, such as when you sneeze, cough or kiss.

WHEN ARE CHILDREN VACCINATED?

Babies are given the vaccine at six weeks, four and six months of age. Booster doses are given to children at four years and 10-15 years.

CAN ADULTS BE VACCINATED?

A single booster dose of adult whooping cough vaccine is recommended for adults planning a pregnancy, and for both parents and grandparents as soon as possible after the birth.

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE IT?

There have been 6434 cases of whooping cough reported in Australia so far in 2014.