Whooping cough and colds can have similar symptoms in the early stages, but there are key differences that set them apart. People with whooping cough often experience nighttime coughs, shrill sounds, and do not respond to medication. Colds rarely cause nighttime coughing and respond well to medication treatment. Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System, emphasizes that many symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a cold in the first 6-7 days of illness, such as sore throat, mild fever, and runny nose. This similarity can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worsening of symptoms.
Whooping cough can be distinguished from a cold by characteristic symptoms like nighttime coughing spells, shrill sounds, and lack of response to medication. Those with whooping cough experience persistent coughing attacks, often several times a night, and produce clear, sticky phlegm. The illness can last 2-6 weeks or even over 100 days if left untreated. In children under five years old, whooping cough can lead to pneumonia complications if not treated promptly along with other serious issues like seizures and death.
It is crucial to differentiate between whooping cough and a cold to seek timely medical attention. The disease is highly contagious and one person can infect up to 17 others through close contact or respiratory droplets. Prevention measures like vaccination are essential for those under five years old as the disease can have severe consequences if not properly treated. Ongoing vaccination efforts are essential in controlling the spread of whooping cough among family members and caregivers as well as reducing the risk of serious complications.
Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during the 2nd or 3rd trimester to protect newborns from developing whooping cough if they come into contact with it during childbirth or after delivery. Children over six months old need booster shots while adults may also need them depending on their age group or health status. Family members and caregivers should also be vaccinated against whooping cough to prevent transmission within households or workplaces where cases are commonplace.
In conclusion, understanding the symptoms of whooping cough and taking preventive measures like vaccination is crucial in controlling its spread within communities
