Cough Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is the causative agent of whooping cough?
Bordetella pertussis.
How is whooping cough transmitted?
Via respiratory secretions.
What is the incubation period for whooping cough?
Approximately 7–10 days
How long is a person with whooping cough infectious if untreated?
Typically 21 days from the onset of coughing.
What is the main method of prevention for whooping cough?
Vaccination.
How does immunity affect symptom severity?
Immunity shortens and softens symptoms but does not provide lifelong protection.
Why is whooping cough particularly dangerous for infants under 6 months?
It may present atypically and is linked to high hospitalization, severe illness, and death.
When should whooping cough be suspected?
When someone has a cough lasting ≥14 days plus symptoms like paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, post-tussive vomiting, or apnoeic attacks in infants.
What other scenario raises suspicion for pertussis?
If the person has typical symptoms and contact with a confirmed case or is part of a known outbreak.
Is whooping cough a notifiable disease?
Yes. It must be reported to the local Public Health England (PHE) centre within 3 days.
Who should be admitted to hospital for whooping cough?
Anyone with life-threatening infection or complications, especially infants under 6 months.
When is antibiotic treatment recommended?
Within 14 days of cough onset or 21 days in close contacts of group 1 priority individuals.
What self-care advice should be provided?
Use of simple analgesia for symptomatic relief and ensuring any missed vaccinations are updated.
How should close contacts be managed?
They should be assessed for need of antibiotics or exclusion from work/school.
How long should children stay home if treated with antibiotics for whooping cough?
Until 48 hours after starting treatment
If untreated, how long should children be excluded from school or nursery for whooping cough?
14 days from the onset of coughing.
When should nursery staff providing personal care to infants be excluded with whooping cough?
Until 48 hours of antibiotics or 21 days after cough onset if untreated.
What is the exclusion period for healthcare workers caring for priority patients or pregnant women with whooping cough?
48 hours post-treatment or 21 days from symptom onset if untreated.
What about exclusion for other workplace settings for whooping cough?
Stay off and avoid contact with unvaccinated infants or pregnant women until 48 hours of antibiotics or 14 days if untreated.
When should antibiotics be prescribed for suspected whooping cough?
If the cough started within the previous 14 days, or up to 21 days in close contacts of a Group 1 priority individual.
What is the first-line antibiotic class for treating whooping cough?
Macrolides.
Which antibiotic is preferred for infants under 1 month old for whooping cough?
Clarithromycin (Azithromycin is an alternative, though data are limited).
What antibiotics are suitable for children aged ≥1 month and non-pregnant adults with whooping cough?
Azithromycin or clarithromycin.
What is the first-line antibiotic for pregnant women with whooping cough?
Erythromycin. (Azithromycin second line, clarithromycin third line.)
