The potentially fatal infection of the lungs and breathing tubes has seen over 10,000 cases in the UK since last year. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters A potentially deadly Victorian disease is on the rise in the UK, prompting health officials to issue a stark warning to parents about their children's vaccine records. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has sounded the alarm over whooping cough cases, which have climbed to over 10,000 in England since 2023.
Ten infants have tragically died from whooping cough in the UK since the start of the outbreak in November, with the latest fatality occurring in June. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes which can spread very easily. Those most at threat are babies and young children as well as pregnant women, meaning it's important for all high risk individuals to be vaccinated against it.
Authorities have warned that figures are on the rise again due to a low vaccine take up. Here's everything you need to know about tell tale symptoms of whooping cough and how to treat it - and what to do if you suspect you or someone you love is infected. According to the NHS , the first symptoms of whooping cough are fairly similar to that of a common cold, including a runny nose and sore throat, although a high temperature is uncommon.
After about seven days, you or your child will experience coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night time. In addition to this, you may experience the following symptoms: The cough may last for several weeks or even months. Treatment for the infection depends greatly on your age and how long you've been ill, according to the NHS.
Hospital treatment is generally needed if you have severe whooping cough, or if your baby is under six months old and has whooping cough. However, if whooping cough is diagnosed within a fortnight of your cough starting, you'll receive antibiotics to prevent it from spreading to others. Some healthcare and nursery workers may be given antibiotics within three weeks of the cough starting.
Antibiotics may not reduce symptoms but it's important to complete the entire course. Ensure that you or your child are drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest to ease symptoms. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if: Check symptoms on 111 online (for children aged five and over) or call 111 (for children under five).
Call 999 or go to A&E if: Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.
Babies and children are protected against getting whooping cough when they get the vaccine which is why it's so important for youngsters to have all the NHS routine vaccinations. The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the: Babies under 12 months with whooping cough have an increased chance of developing problems such as dehydration, breathing problems, pneumonia and seizures. Pregnant women should also receive the whooping cough vaccine at around 20 weeks in.
The vaccine will help protect your baby through the first few weeks of their life. It's important to speak to your GP or midwife if you are 20 weeks pregnant and have not been offered the vaccination. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
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