How long is the incubation period for whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Once the body is infected with the bacterium that causes whooping cough, the incubation period of this disease is about one to two weeks. The contagion is strongest within two to three weeks after becoming ill. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets, with children under five being the most susceptible to infection. Clinically, vaccination is primarily used to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Once infected, symptomatic treatment is needed, and one can also choose macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin, for treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis vaccine side effects

In clinical practice, the pertussis vaccine commonly used is mostly the DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccine, which primarily includes diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus. This vaccine effectively prevents these three infectious diseases. Common adverse reactions and side effects from the vaccine injection include local muscle site reactions such as redness, swelling, and hard lumps; if there is a secondary bacterial infection, it may also lead to purulent discharge. Additionally, some patients may experience transient fever symptoms, generally not lasting more than twenty-four hours, followed by common gastrointestinal reactions.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to treat recurrent pertussis?

For recurrent whooping cough, it is crucial to promptly and adequately select sensitive antimicrobial drugs according to the treatment course. Generally, macrolide antibiotics or amide antibiotics can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. Also, drink more water and avoid overly spicy, greasy foods. If the patient is weak and has low immunity, transfer factors or splenopentin can be chosen to enhance the body's passive immunity. Regular outdoor exercise should be engaged in, and the diet should be nutritionally balanced with less snacking and more consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What does whooping cough mean?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the infection of Bordetella pertussis and Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leading to inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract. Typical symptoms include paroxysmal coughing, which is intense and can cause redness in the face and ears, runny nose, and even vomiting. Diagnosis can be confirmed through sputum culture, pathogen cultivation, routine blood tests, and chest X-rays, among other auxiliary examinations.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough easy to treat?

Whooping cough is treatable. This disease is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection common in children. Its main characteristics are paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing. Some children may also have a bark-like cough and a crowing sound during inhalation. It is important to correctly identify and check the pathogen, which could be due to infection by the diphtheria bacillus or the whooping cough bacillus. Typically, it can be treated with intravenous macrolide antibiotics or penicillin antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen, along with symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
37sec home-news-image

How long is the incubation period for whooping cough?

Once the body is infected with the bacterium that causes whooping cough, the incubation period of this disease is about one to two weeks. The contagion is strongest within two to three weeks after becoming ill. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets, with children under five being the most susceptible to infection. Clinically, vaccination is primarily used to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Once infected, symptomatic treatment is needed, and one can also choose macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin, for treatment.