Unmasking the cause of cough
It’s been reported that visitors arriving in Indonesia with flu-like symptoms will be requested, perhaps even required, by the Government there to wear face masks for three days – a measure aimed to reduce the risk of human to human transmission of swine flu.
Swine flu also remains a problem in Australia, and precautions to help prevent the spread of infection are highly important. Nevertheless, the use of masks is just one aspect or risk reduction. Personal attention to hygiene is vital. Regular handwashing and the use of disposable tissues to capture coughed or sneezed viruses are essential.
However, the flu – whether it’s the swine or seasonal variety – is not the only infectious disease we should be concerned about – nor the only cause of cough.
For instance, already 14,000 cases of whooping cough have been notified in Australia this year. Whooping cough numbers have fluctuated over the last 15 years; but even in the epidemics which have occurred every three or four years, the total number of cases has been around 10,000.
This year NSW has been particularly badly hit, reaching the 8,000 mark by mid-year, compared with a total last year of 7,000.
Whooping cough (which is known medically as pertussis) is a serious, contagious bacterial infection. Early symptoms are similar to those of a cold. Then the typical cough or “whoop” develops which gives the condition its common name. This sound is due to a deep breath at the end of a bout of coughing. Vomiting after coughing is also common.
In young babies symptoms can be severe and even life threatening. According to the Victorian Government’s Better Health website, one in every 200 babies who contract whooping cough will die.
Early diagnosis and access to antibiotics is necessary for effective treatment and to minimise the spread among family and close contacts. Strict adherence to Australia’s immunisation schedule will prevent whooping cough. The vaccine is given, along with vaccination against other common infectious diseases, at two, four and six months of age; and then again at four years of age.
To be fully protected adolescents should receive a booster dose of pertussis vaccine (together with diphtheria and tetanus) between the ages of 15 and 17 years – or about year 10 in high school.
But, vaccination against whooping cough does not confer lifetime immunity, and large numbers of cases continue to occur in older people. Unvaccinated adult carriers of the whooping cough organism can put the lives of children at risk, so a booster dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers or those caring for young children.
With sometimes sensationalised or misguided stories about immunisation side effects, parents and carers can become understandably concerned and confused. In fact, immunisation strengthens the body’s immune system. It’s a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children (and adults) against disease. Your GP can give you more information.
You can also get more advice and information about whooping cough from pharmacies around Australia, providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 or check out the website at www.psa.org.au to find the nearest location. Ask for the Childhood Immunisation Fact Card. you can also get details about immunisation generally from the Commonwealth Government’s website