Whooping cough, a serious infectious disease that can cause severe complications, especially in young children, is still a common misconception. Many people believe that there is no vaccine for pregnant women or that adults do not need booster vaccinations. However, Dr. Nguyen Le Nga, Medical Manager of VNVC Vaccination System, notes that while whooping cough cases have decreased in Vietnam due to vaccination programs, there has been an increase in cases this year. The Department of Preventive Medicine predicts further cases due to reduced vaccination rates.
Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the mother and newborn from whooping cough. Infants under 3 months are particularly vulnerable to severe illness. Despite receiving full vaccination, it is important for children and adults to receive booster shots containing pertussis components at different stages of life to ensure ongoing protection. Adults can also get whooping cough and may unknowingly spread the disease to vulnerable family members.
Receiving timely vaccinations against diseases like whooping cough is crucial for protecting individual health as well as contributing to community immunity. It is important for individuals and healthcare providers to educate themselves about the importance of ongoing vaccinations and dispel common misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is a serious infectious disease that can cause severe complications, especially in young children. The disease is transmitted through the respiratory tract and manifests as severe coughing fits that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccination during pregnancy can help protect both the mother and newborn from whooping cough, as infants under 3 months are particularly vulnerable to severe illness.
It’s essential for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of whooping cough so they can seek medical attention promptly if their child becomes ill. Symptoms include prolonged coughing fits that last more than a week, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing during sleep or wakefulness, high fever above 101°F (38°C), bluish skin or lips due to lack of oxygenation (cyanosis), headaches, abdominal pain or stiffness along with vomiting or diarrhea.
In conclusion, whooping cough remains a significant public health concern despite advances in vaccine technology and widespread immunization campaigns. It’s crucial for individuals and healthcare providers alike to understand the importance of ongoing vaccinations against diseases like whooping cough and dispel common misconceptions about vaccine safety and efficacy.
