Whooping Cough: Pregnant Women Urged To Get Vaccination By Public Health England After Cases Rise | HuffPost Life

Pregnant Women Urged To Get Vaccine Against Whooping Cough

Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK

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Pregnant women are being urged to have the whooping cough jab to protect their newborns by Public Health England after cases of the infection rise.

In the first six months of 2015 there were 1,744 cases of whopping cough - up from 1,412 in the same period last year.

Only 56.4% of pregnant women were vaccinated in 2014-15, with seven baby deaths from whooping cough in that time.

The vaccine was introduced in 2012 during an increased amount of babies being diagnosed.

Dr Mary Ramsay, PHE's head of immunisation, told the BBC: "It's important that pregnant women visit their GP surgery or midwife to get vaccinated, ideally between weeks 28 and 32 of their pregnancy.

"Being vaccinated against whooping cough while you're pregnant is a highly effective way to protect your baby in the first few weeks of their life."

Public Health England (PHE) said the vaccination reduces the risk of a newborn developing whooping cough by 91%.

A mother who gets the vaccine will produce protective antibodies which are then passed on to the child until they are vaccinated.

Louise Silverton, director for midwifery for the Royal College of Midwives, told HuffPost UK Parents: "This has our support and we echo this appeal for pregnant women to have this vaccine during pregnancy.

"Whooping cough can have fatal consequences for a child and they are particularly vulnerable in the fist two months of life, when they are effectively unprotected against this disease until they have their first vaccination at two months.

"Women must also be aware of the importance of having the seasonal flu vaccination as soon as they become pregnant."

SEE ALSO:
Whooping Cough Baby Filmed To Alert Parents About Importance Of Vaccinating Their Children
Is Your Kid 'Protected' From Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways in babies.

The condition begins with a persistent dry and irritating cough that progresses to intense episodes of coughing. It's called whooping cough as the gasping for breath after one of these coughing bouts causes a distinctive noise in the airways.

Other symptoms include a runny nose, raised temperature and vomiting after coughing. The coughing can last for around three months.

Newborns especially are susceptible to getting the infection before they are able to get the vaccination at two months.

What Kind Of Cough Do I Have?

Productive Chest Cough(01 of30)

Coughing up phlegm may not be pleasant, but it gets rid of irritants in your lungs. In this case, it’s best to stay away from cough suppressing medicine and let the coughs clean out your system.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Non-Productive Or Dry Cough(02 of30)

Dry coughs are more common near the end of a cold when the body stops producing phlegm.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Barking Cough(03 of30)

This cough is loud, dry and painful. It can be a sign of a respiratory disease or viral infection. Sometimes swelling during a common cold can cause these coughs, especially at night.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Whooping Cough(04 of30)

These uncontrollable fits of coughs are usually contagious. The coughs can be so bad that they lead to vomiting. Whooping cough typically lasts longer than other coughs.Listen to what it sounds like here. (credit:Shutterstock)

Psychogenic Cough(05 of30)

This cough is more common in children than in adults and is known as a ‘habit cough’, meaning coughing after a cold or flu is over out of habit. (credit:Shutterstock)

Reflex Cough(06 of30)

These coughs aren’t due to illness but irritants in the air such as dust. (credit:Shutterstock)

(07 of30)

NEXT: How to tell if you have the flu - or worse

Temperature(08 of30)

Feeling feverish or having a fever of 100°F or higher can be an indicator for the flu or H1N1 virus, though not everyone with the flu will get a fever. Fevers are unlikely with a common cold. (credit:Shutterstock)

Body Aches(09 of30)

Feeling achy all over or getting a headache is another symptom of the flu or H1N1, and not generally associated with getting a cold. This tends to show as more general aches, as opposed to those confined to one area. (credit:Shutterstock)

Nausea, Vomiting Or Diarrhea(10 of30)

Nausea is the most symptom of the flu, and less likely to occur with a cold. However, if you're vomiting continuously, this can indicate a more severe strain of the flu, and you should seek medical help. (credit:Shutterstock)

Sore Throat(11 of30)

A sore throat is usually the first indicator of the beginning of illness, whether it's a cold, the flu or worse. (credit:Shutterstock)

Cough(12 of30)

Coughing occurs when one has a cold or the flu, though if it worsens, that can indicate a more severe strain, like H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)

Fatigue(13 of30)

An intense feeling of exhaustion, like not being able to get out of bed, is a sign that you have the flu or H1N1. This does not usually occur with a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)

Chills(14 of30)

Chills can occur as a result of many kinds of bacterial and viral illnesses, including colds, the flu and H1N1. (credit:Shutterstock)

Runny Nose(15 of30)

Though a runny nose is most closely associated with a cold, it can also be part of having the flu or H1N1. Be sure to have plenty of tissues on hand to keep germs from spreading. (credit:Shutterstock)

Dizziness(16 of30)

Dizziness is not a normal symptom for a cold or flu, and should be treated with seriousness. (credit:Shutterstock)

Dehydration(17 of30)

Dehydration is a serious risk when you're ill, either because you feel too sick to drink or eat, or you've been vomiting and/or having diarrhea. Being dehydrated can indicate H1N1, and you should seek medical attention. (credit:Shutterstock)

Pain In Stomach Or Chest(18 of30)

Feeling pains in your stomach or chest while or immediately after you have the flu can indicate a serious complication, like pneumonia. Seek medical help immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)

Blue, Purple Or Grey Lips(19 of30)

Discoloured lips can indicate a lung infection, which poses a serious health risk. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately. (credit:Shutterstock)

(20 of30)

NEXT: 10 ways to help protect you from the flu

Make Yourself A DIY Germ Barrier (21 of30)

To help keep the germs at bay, use a cotton swab to apply petroleum jelly to the inside of your nostrils. Voila! You've got yourself an enhanced germ barrier. Our noses are often soft spots for bacteria and viruses and a small layer of jelly can act as a protective barrier. (credit:Shutterstock)

Sanitize (22 of30)

Keep an all-natural hand sanitizer that promises to kill 99.9 per cent of germs in your pocket or purse at all times. (credit:Shutterstock)

Protect The Kids(23 of30)

Kids are primary germ carriers and will inevitably fall ill this season. To prevent yourself from getting sick, make sure your children are also protected either with a flu shot or medication. (credit:Shutterstock)

Get Fresh With Garlic (24 of30)

Bacteria love warm, humid environments. If what you've got now is a bacterial infection, garlic is a powerful, all-natural antibiotic solution. Of course we're not telling you to eat a raw clove straight — instead try adding garlic to soups, salads or your favourite pasta. (credit:Shutterstock)

Reach For Probiotics (25 of30)

A happy gut means a healthy immune system. Reach for probiotic supplements or yogurt. Probiotics can boost the immune system and increase resistance to the cold and flu by producing antibiotics. (credit:Shutterstock)

Get Some Zzzs (26 of30)

Lack of sleep is proven to contribute to an unhealthy immune system. To ensure you have a congestion-free sleep, whether you're sick or not, use a nasal strip to help open your airways. (credit:Shutterstock)

Sneeze In The Sleeve (27 of30)

Much like hand washing, this is one of the simplest ways to help prevent the spread of germs. (credit:Shutterstock)

Shower Your Nose (28 of30)

Irrigate your nasal cavity with a neti-pot. It will flush out the viruses and bacteria reducing chances of impending infections. (credit:Shutterstock)

Don't Forget The D (29 of30)

When it comes to the flu, it’s not all about Vitamin C, Vitamin D is just as important. Since we may not get as many hours of sunshine as we do in the summertime, taking vitamin D supplements during the winter can help boost immunity and protect our bodies from catching a cold. (credit:Shutterstock)

Flower Power (30 of30)

Research suggests the use of a properly formulated Echinacea means fewer colds, reduced duration of cold symptoms, and less reliance on synthetic pain relievers. (credit:Shutterstock)

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