Pertussis

Vaccinations

About Pertussis

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. Many children who contract Pertussis have coughing spells that last four to eight weeks.

How is Pertussis transmitted?

It is spread by coughing and sneezing.

Why should I take the Pertussis vaccination?

Complications of bacterial Pneumonia and rib fracture may occur due to Pertussis. The best way to prevent Pertussis is to be vaccinated.

Points to Note:

Laboratory diagnostic tests are not perfect and are not 100% accurate

  • We do not have a test for every disease or virus but most of those pathogens that are of public health importance or have long term implications on your health can be tested
  • No one single test can be used with absolute certainty to diagnose a disease. Often, we depend on a combination of tests to make a diagnosis
  • Sometimes, we have to resort to trial treatment or empiric treatment if investigative tests are inconclusive. If the patient makes a therapeutic response and feels better, we have achieved our goal
  • In PUO, we are looking for treatable causes and to rule out sinister causes eg. malignancies so that we do not miss opportunities for early treatment or intervention

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