lung infection cough :: Article CreatorWarning Of Back-to-school Spike In Whooping Cough Cases – As 12,200 Infections Reported This Year
MORE than 12,000 cases of whooping cough were confirmed in England in the first seven months of the year, UK Health Security Agency data shows.
Nine babies died during the same period between January and July 2024.
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Health officials are now warning of a potential back-to-school surge in infections.
The condition may last for several weeks or months, so it is often dubbed the "100-day cough".
Babies under six months are most at risk of problems such as breathing difficulties, seizures and pneumonia, the NHS warns.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: "Whilst monthly case numbers in 2024 have fallen since May, pertussis activity remains high and may increase after children in England return to school in September."
READ MORE ON WHOOPING COUGH
A total of 12,200 Brits knowingly fell ill with the bacterial infection, officially called pertussis, between January and July this year.
This compares to 856 provisional laboratory-confirmed cases in the whole of 2023.
More than half of this year's cases (56.2 per cent) were in those aged 15 and above.
A fifth (20.1 per cent) were in children aged 10 to 14, and 11.7 per cent were in five- to nine-year-olds.
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The number of confirmed infections in babies under three months, who are at highest risk of severe disease and too young to be fully vaccinated, stands at 379 - almost eight times as many as in 2023.
Nine infants have so far lost their lives to whooping cough in 2024 in comparison to one death in 2023.
Return of masks and three-week isolation for infected school kids as whooping cough outbreak sweeps UK
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: "Returning to school after the summer holidays is a busy time for children, parents and schools alike.
"However, it's important to always make sure children's health is as best protected as possible.
"From childhood vaccinations to asthma inhalers and adrenaline autoinjectors, it's the perfect time to take stock of your child's medicines and medical devices, and make sure they are as safe as possible as they start the new school year."
The UKHSA added: "The recent increase in pertussis cases has been observed across all age groups and in every region in England.
"Case numbers rose across the first five months of 2024 to May, as expected based on usual seasonal patterns, and remained high in June and July.
"Confirmed cases in the second quarter of 2024 were notably high, exceeding those in any quarter of the 2012 outbreak year."
Vaccination in pregnancy is key to passively protecting babies before they can be directly protected by the infant vaccine programme
UKHSA
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes that spreads easily and can be serious.
Symptoms tend to be similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat, plus bouts of coughing that last for a few minutes and get worse at night.
Some people make a "whoop" sound as they gasp between coughs, while others bring up thick mucus and become very red in the face.
Coughing fits can be so severe that they fracture ribs.
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CALL TO ARMS
The best way to protect against whooping cough is vaccination, the health service adds.
The pertussis jab is included in the '6-in-1 vaccine' given to babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks old, and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster for children aged three years four months.
It is also offered to expectant mothers who are 16 to 32 weeks pregnant.
UKHSA says: "Vaccination in pregnancy is key to passively protecting babies before they can be directly protected by the infant vaccine programme.
"To help provide optimal protection, the vaccine should be given before 32 weeks; but women who miss out can still have the vaccine later."
However, vaccination rates have fallen in the UK since the Covid pandemic.
Full list of symptoms of whooping cough
WHOOPING cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes.
The first signs of the condition tend to be similar to a cold - such as a runny nose, a sore throat, red and watery eyes, and a slightly raised temperature.
After about a week, other signs start to appear. These include:
Coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night "Whoop" sounds as your gasp for breath between coughs Difficulty breathing after a coughing bout Turning blue or grey (children) Becoming very red in the face (adults) Bringing up thick mucus, which can make you vomit Bleeding under the skin or in the eyes Feeling very tired after coughing The cough may last several weeks or months.
Babies under six months have an increased risk of problems such as dehydration, breathing problems, pneumonia and seizures.
Older children and adults may experience sore ribs, hernia, middle ear infections, and urinary incontinence.
Source: NHS
The latest UKHSA data on the maternal whooping cough vaccine programme shows that uptake has dropped dramatically.
In December 2017, 74.7 per cent of pregnant women, babies and young children took up the offer of the vaccine.
But figures for March 2024 suggest just 58.9 per cent were jabbed.
If you or your child does fall ill - particularly if you have a cough for more than three weeks, or one that is getting worse - the NHS advises you to speak to your GP.
Anyone diagnosed in the first three weeks of symptoms may be given antibiotics, but after this point, they are not considered helpful.
Instead, sufferers are urged to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If you or your child experiences significant breathing problems, fits or signs of pneumonia, call 999 or visit A&E.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia - inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection - are a cough, shortness of breath, a high temperature, chest pain and an aching body.
MOST DEATHS ARE A PREVENTABLE HORROR
By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
WHOOPING cough outbreaks come and go on what the UK Health Security reckons is a three- to five-year cycle, with this one probably worsened by a bounceback after the Covid lockdowns.
The recent spate of deaths is of much greater concern.
Most children and adults make a full recovery but for a tiny number of patients – mostly babies – it turns very serious and even fatal.
The UKHSA says the risk of this is 92 per cent lower if the baby's mum got her jab during pregnancy, and more than eight out of 10 deaths are of infants born to unvaccinated mums.
But rates of vaccination in England have tumbled in the 2010s and 2020s so that fewer than two in three eligible mums and children are now protected.
Nine babies have died of the bug – less than 0.2 per cent of infections but an unimaginable horror for their families.
The UKHSA will not say how many victims were vaccinated but, statistically, it's likely most could have been saved with a free jab.
Are You Coughing Too Much? Tips For Maintaining Healthy Lungs
Health is wealth, and maintaining healthy lungs is crucial for overall well-being. Your lungs play a vital role in breathing, providing oxygen to your body, and removing carbon dioxide. The prevalence of respiratory conditions worldwide underscores the importance of lung health. Conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect millions, emphasizing the need for proactive lung care.
Implementing several lifestyle changes can optimize your lung health and support your overall well-being:
1. Quit smoking
Smoking is a significant threat to lung health. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage your airways and alveoli (air sacs), leading to respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Long-term smoking also increases the risk of developing lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Quitting smoking improves lung function and reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer over time.
2. Avoid radon exposure
Radon is a radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground, posing a significant risk for lung cancer. Testing for radon is simple and inexpensive. If high radon levels are detected in your home, consult a professional for solutions to reduce exposure.
3. Practice breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can improve lung function and increase lung capacity. Consider trying:
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focus on expanding the diaphragm to improve air intake. Pursed Lip Breathing: Helps slow breathing and maintain open airways. 4. Maintain good hygiene
Practicing good hygiene can reduce the spread of germs that cause respiratory infections. Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when sneezing, and stay home when feeling unwell.
5. Stay active
Exercise greatly supports lung health. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week. Regular exercise increases lung capacity, strengthens respiratory muscles, and improves ventilation.
6. Monitor indoor air quality
Indoor air quality is crucial for lung health. Common indoor pollutants include mold, dust mites, and pet dander. To improve indoor air quality, use air purifiers, maintain ventilation systems, and address sources of indoor pollution.
Staying informed about environmental factors
In addition to these lifestyle changes, staying informed about environmental factors that impact lung health is essential. Air pollution, both outdoor and indoor, can significantly affect lung function. High levels of pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. To minimize exposure, try to stay indoors on days when air quality is poor, and use air purifiers to filter harmful particles inside your home. Being aware of local air quality reports and taking appropriate measures can protect your lungs and enhance your overall health.
When to seek medical advice
Regular screenings and prompt evaluation of concerning symptoms are essential for maintaining lung health. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
Persistent coughing Chest pain Trouble breathing Wheezing Maintaining lung health is crucial for overall well-being. By adopting practices such as quitting smoking, practicing good hygiene, and engaging in breathing exercises, you can significantly reduce your risk of respiratory health conditions. Always consult with your health care provider before making lifestyle changes to ensure they are right for you.
Portland State Cancels CFB Game Vs. South Dakota Due To Whooping Cough Outbreak
Brian Murphy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Saturday's game between South Dakota and Portland State has been canceled due to an illness in the Vikings program.
Portland State announced the cancelation a few hours prior to the scheduled 4 p.M. ET kickoff due to "many team members" being exposed to whooping cough in the last few days:
"Today's Portland State Football game vs. South Dakota has been canceled due to illness within the PSU program.
"A case of pertussis (whooping cough) got into the Viking team two days ago. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that affects the lungs. As a result, many team members have been exposed to the disease. The two programs and their team doctors have been in discussions regarding the situation. It was determined by Portland State that the game would not be played in the interest of the health of the student-athletes."
The school did note that no players are seriously ill at this time.
South Dakota athletic director Jon Schemmel issued a statement to Jay Elsen of Midco Sports about the decision to cancel the game:
Per the Centers for Disease Control website, whooping cough is marked by a severe hacking cough that is usually followed by a high-pitched intake of break that can sound like "whoop."
Initial symptoms can resemble those associated with a common cold before gradually worsening to include coughing fits that can cause breathing issues and fatigue.
The CDC noted coughing fits can last for up to 10 weeks and a full recovery could take 12 weeks, depending on the severity. The disease is most serious for babies and children. Teens and adults will usually experience fewer complications, particularly if they have been vaccinated.
Portland State (0-2) was set to host its first game of the season after playing on the road the past two weeks. South Dakota (1-1) is ranked No. 6 in the FCS top 25 poll and was coming off a 27-13 loss at Wisconsin last week.
The Vikings are set to play Boise State at Albertsons Stadium on Sept. 21. South Dakota will host Drake at DakotaDome next Saturday.
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