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yersinia pneumonia :: Article Creator From The Black Death To Spanish Flu And Smallpox, A Brief History Of Plagues No matter where you look up the meaning of the word "plague", it's never a good thing. It can be confusing, because as a verb, plague means "to cause continual distress", yet as a noun, it means a deadly disease that spreads very quickly – what we would today call a "pandemic". It can also refer to one specific disease, Yersinia pestis.  On top of that, a plague can refer to a large number of insects or animals in one place that are causing a lot of damage, like the locusts currently swarming in east Africa.  In this article, we'll talk about the plagues, or pandemics, that humans have battled with throughout history.  7 films about epidemics and viral outbreaks Black Death The worst plague in history was the Black Death, which may have killed up to 200 million people. This was caused by a ba...
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bacterial infection cough contagious :: Article Creator

Could Your Cold-Like Symptoms Be Whooping Cough? How To Identify The Latter

When you have a runny nose or a mild cough, you're likely to suspect a common cold. However, these cold-like symptoms are not just limited to a viral infection; they can also indicate a more serious condition called whooping cough, a highly contagious bacterial infection characterised by severe coughing episodes. Dr Manoj AG, Consultant Physician at Practo, Bengaluru, sheds light on the distinguishing factors and shares ways to prevent the condition.

Also Read: Whooping Cough Deaths Hit Record High in US—What Makes This Infection So Dangerous?

What Is Whooping Cough?

1

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterised by severe coughing fits and ends with a 'whooping' sound as the air is inhaled.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were more than 1.51 lakh cases of whooping cough globally in 2018. The health body explains that it spreads easily from person to person, primarily through droplets from coughing or sneezing. It is most dangerous for infants and is a leading cause of disease and death in this age group.

How To Differentiate Between Cold And Whooping Cough

2

Dr Manoj says, "The primary differences between a common cold and whooping cough (pertussis) lie in their symptom progression and intensity." He explains that a common cold typically causes mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, occasional low-grade fever, and a manageable cough that resolves within a week.

Whooping cough, on the other hand, begins with similar cold-like symptoms but escalates into prolonged, severe coughing fits, the doctor distinguishes. "These fits may be followed by a distinctive 'whooping' sound as the person gasps for air—though this hallmark symptom is less common in infants, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals."

Stages Of Whooping Cough

The three main stages of whooping cough are:

  • Catarrhal phase (1–2 weeks): Mimics a cold with sneezing and mild cough.
  • Paroxysmal phase (1–6 weeks): Intense coughing spells, often worse at night, which may cause vomiting or breathlessness.
  • Convalescent phase (weeks to months): Gradual recovery, though coughing can linger.
    • When To Seek Medical Attention

    Here's who and when one should seek medical attention for whooping cough:

  • Infants under 6 months, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune system face the highest risk of severe complications, such as pneumonia, rib fractures, or seizures. Rarely, it can be fatal in young babies.
  • A cough that lasts over two weeks.
  • Coughing fits that lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, or cyanosis (bluish skin).
  • Infants exhibit pauses in breathing (apnoea) or exhaustion after coughing.
    • Prevention Strategies

    3

    Whooping cough can be concerning, and therefore, it is crucial to learn about the strategies to prevent it. Here's what you can do:

    Vaccination:
  • DTaP vaccine: Protects children (doses at two, four, six, and 15–18 months; booster at four to six years).
  • Tdap booster: Recommended for adolescents (ages 11–12) and adults every 10 years. Pregnant individuals should receive Tdap during the third trimester of each pregnancy to protect newborns.
    • Hygiene and Isolation:
  • Practise frequent handwashing, cover coughs/sneezes, and disinfect surfaces.
  • Isolate infected individuals until five days after starting antibiotics (or three weeks without treatment).
    • Protect High-Risk Groups:
  • Ensure caregivers and close contacts of infants are vaccinated ("cocooning strategy").
  • Exposed individuals may require prophylactic antibiotics to prevent spread.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment of whooping cough are critical to curb transmission and reduce risks.
    • Conclusion

    Initially, a whooping cough can mimic symptoms of a cold. However, over time, it can lead to more severe coughing fits, which can be a distinguishing factor. It is crucial to get yourself tested and assessed by a doctor or medical professional. Only once you have the confirmed diagnosis can you be treated properly.

    Disclaimer

    All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.Com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers' discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.


    NHS Alert Over Cough Infection That Can Spread To The Brain - Signs To Spot

    11:04, 24 Mar 2025Updated 14:10, 24 Mar 2025

    CDC explains how tuberculosis can be transmitted

    The NHS has issued a warning over a slow-developing bacterial infection that usually starts with a cough. While the illness isn't generally as contagious as a common cold, it can be far more serious, potentially requiring antibiotics for at least six months.

    "Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs," the health body stressed on X earlier this morning. "It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of this condition."

    ‌

    As the NHS implies, TB is caused by the spread of bacteria. When someone with active TB coughs, sneezes or speaks, tiny germs are released into the air, which others may inhale.

    ‌

    TB symptoms typically come on gradually, often starting with a cough that lasts more than three weeks. This cough may contain mucus or phlegm with blood in it. High temperatures, exhaustion, and weight loss may accompany this, too, with the latter often associated with a lack of appetite.

    Although TB commonly affects the lungs, it can spread to other body parts, including the lymph nodes, bones, or even the brain. If this occurs, you may then notice an array of other uncomfortable symptoms, including the following:

  • Rash on the legs, face or other part of the body
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Swollen ankles and joints
  • Swollen glands
  • Confusion
  • Headaches
  • Stiff neck
  • Stomach or pelvis pain
  • Constipation
  • Aching body and pains
  • Dark or cloudy pee

    • ‌

    However, experts at the University of Edinburgh also saysome cases of TB are entirely symptomless. "Not everyone with TB is infectious," they wrote in a previous blog.

    READ MORE: 'I cut one thing from my diet and now my weekly Aldi food shop is just £22'READ MORE: 'I was diagnosed with cancer after asking Chat GPT - I thought it was grief'

    "People with a TB infection that occurs outside the lungs (extrapulmonary TB) don't spread the infection. In most healthy people, the immune system is able to destroy the bacteria that cause TB.

    "In some cases, the bacteria infect the body but don't cause any symptoms (latent TB), or the infection begins to cause symptoms within weeks, months or even years (active TB). Up to 10% of people with latent TB eventually develop active TB years after the initial infection."

    ‌

    Individuals with TB symptoms are encouraged to see a GP for further advice and examinations. These may involve mucus sampling, X-rays, CT scans, or tissue biopsies from the affected area.

    ‌

    Anyone may contract the illness, but it is more common among people who spend a lot of time around others with active TB or who live in an area where TB is more common. Regular smoking, drinking and having a weakened immune system can worsen your risk as well.

    NHS guidance adds: "The main treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is to take antibiotics for at least six months. If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks.

    "If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB), you usually need to take antibiotics for three to six months." It also stresses: "It's important to take your antibiotics correctly and until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, TB could come back."

    For more information, head to the NHS website.


    Can Tuberculosis Be Transmitted Through Kissing Or Sexual Contact?

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