Introduction:
Whooping cough is a highly contagiousrespiratory infection with particularly serious implications for newborns. Caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, it is characterised byprolonged coughing fits followed by a distinctive ‘whoop’ sound when the affected person gasps for breath. Unfortunately, newborns face an elevated risk of severe complications from whooping cough, especially before they have received the full set of recommended of vaccinations. Therefore, as a parent, it is crucial to implement significant measures to protect your newborn’s health.
Understanding and implementing precautionary measures is the key to preventing serious complications from whooping cough. Given the severity of the risks involved, safeguarding your newborn demands collective responsibility from various individuals. It also requires active attention and comprehensive planning across a range of different aspects. In this article, we will explore all these facets and the necessary actions that must be taken to protect your child effectively.
Why are newborns at risk of whooping cough?
Newborns are particularly vulnerable due to several factors. First and foremost, their immune systems are still in development which puts them at a higher risk of developing serious complications. Additionally, theyhave not yet completed the full series of vaccinations recommended to protect against the infection.
To complicate matters further, identifying the infectionin newborns can pose an additional challenge, as their symptoms may differ from those commonly experienced by older children and adults. This underscores the importance of being vigilant as a parent and being aware of the specific signs.
Some potential complications that can arise in newborns include:
- Lung infection with the potential to cause further respiratory complications.
- Life-threatening pauses in breathing.
- Brain disease or neurological complications.
- Violent uncontrollable shaking.
These complications can lead to hospitalisation and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential for reducing the chances of serious issues.
Identifying whooping cough in newborns: symptoms to look out for.
As mentioned earlier, identifying pertussis in newly born children can be a challenge as their symptoms can differfrom those typically associated with the infection. Being diligentin recognising symptoms specific to newborns is crucial for early detection.
- Breathing Difficulties: Instead of coughing, some babies may exhibit breathing difficulties. They may experience laboured or rapid breathing, and in some cases, episodes of apnoea (pauses in breathing).
- Cyanosis: It is essential to note that some babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may develop a bluish discolouration of their skin due to breathing difficulties.
- Frequent coughing spells: Intense, frequent coughing is still a common symptom that your childmay experience. However, the characteristic ‘whoop’ sound may not always be present,so do not rule out whooping cough solely on the absence of this sound.
- Complications from coughing: Some infants may experiencevomiting or fainting due to the intensity of coughing. In severe cases, coughing attacks may be forceful enough to break a child’s ribs.
- Cold-like symptoms: Other symptoms can resemble those of a commoncold, such as fatigue, poor appetite, and dehydration.
Preventing whooping cough in newborns
Completing your newborn’s full series of vaccinations on time is a vital step towards minimising the risk of whooping cough.Your infant is recommended to receive the pertussis-containing vaccine in a 5-dose schedule, starting from 2 months of age. They will then receive additional doses at 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 4 years of age, respectively. Infants are particularly vulnerable before receiving their third dose, so it’s especially crucial to protect your baby within the first 6 months.
However, vaccination is not only essential for the baby but also for anyone who will be in close contact with the child. Often, babies catch whooping cough from immediate family, and this can occur due to lack of vaccination or long intervals between previous immunisations. Therefore, ensure that friends and family members are up to date with their pertussis-containing vaccinations before having any contact with your newborn.
Certain individuals, such as healthcare workers, early childhood educators, and travellers, are encouraged to receive a pertussis-containing vaccine every 10 years. Adults aged over 65 years of age are also recommended to receive a dose if their last dose was over 10 years ago.
Moreover, vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of whooping cough in young infants, as there is a transplacental transfer of pertussis antibodies from the mother to the foetus.Consequently, pregnant women are recommended to receive a dose each time they are pregnant, optimally between mid 2nd Trimester and early 3rd Trimester. This recommendationapplieseven for closely spaced pregnancies.
For more detail on available vaccines specific to your respective state or territory, please refer to the National Immunisation Program.
What to do if your newborn has whooping cough: Treatment and care.
First and foremost, if you suspect that your child may have whooping cough, take them to see your GP immediately. Your GP can then conduct a diagnosis by performing a swab test of their nose and throat, and in some cases, a blood test may also be used.
If your newborn has been diagnosed, and your doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is essential to begin the treatment as early as possible. Antibiotics help shorten the length of the infection, as well as reduce the time that your child is contagious. In certain situations, your doctor may prescribe preventative antibiotics to close family members, especially if they are at higher risk of serious complications.
Newborns who develop serious complications from the infection will often require hospitalisation. In many cases, this is a necessity as whooping cough can cause life-threatening issues. Treatment within the hospital may involve measures such as clearing airways, providing oxygen support, or administering intravenous fluids. Close monitoring of their condition ensures the best possible care.
While serious treatment should take place in a hospital setting, you can still support your newborn’s recovery at home. Ensure they receive proper nutrition and hydration, and make sure they get adequate rest. Your child may require small, frequent meals and constant fluids to aid in their recovery.
Finally, be sure to protect your own health and the health of others around you. If your baby is sick, maintain proper hygiene around the house and limit their exposure to other vulnerable people. The infection is highly contagious, especially for close contacts who may be unvaccinated or haven’t received a recent pertussis booster.
Zenith Pharmacy – Your partner in newborn health
At Zenith Pharmacy, we recognise the threat posed by whooping cough and are dedicated to reducing its transmission within the community. Our daily efforts include administering the pertussis vaccine to various groups, such as healthcare workers, unvaccinated individuals, and those requiring boosters. It cannot be stressed enough that adults with zero or waning immunity are often responsible for infecting newborns. Hence, safeguarding your child through vaccination is a collective effort involving you and everyone around you.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whooping cough poses a considerable health risk to newborns and demands to be taken seriously. With their young age and weaker immune systems, newborns are particularly vulnerable to infection, especially since they have not yet received proper immunisation. As a parent or caregiver, implementing strict precautionary measures becomes crucial for safeguarding your child from this illness. Additionally, should your baby contract whooping cough, understanding the unique symptoms and available treatment options is equally paramount.
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Written By
Zen Xiao