What is whooping cough?

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Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious infection that affects the upper respiratory system. It often causes long and frequent coughing fits, which can last for weeks or months after the first signs of illness.

In babies, instead of the usual coughing fits, they may have trouble breathing, including pauses in breathing known as apnea. Whooping cough can be very dangerous for infants, and about one-third of babies under one year old who get it need hospital care.

The vaccine for whooping cough is a good way to prevent the infection.

What does whooping cough sound like?

Prolonged coughing pushes air out of your lungs. After a coughing fit, when you take a deep breath, a “whooping” sound may occur as you inhale. This sound is loud and high-pitched, which is how whooping cough got its name. However, some people with the infection might not make this noise at all.

Who does whooping cough affect?

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Whooping cough can affect anyone, but it’s most common in babies, children, and teens. Babies are at a higher risk because they can’t get the pertussis vaccine until they are at least 2 months old. They often catch it from their parents, caregivers, or other children.

Can adults get whooping cough?

Yes, whooping cough in adults is usually milder than in babies and children, especially if they have received the vaccine. For vaccinated adults, the infection may feel more like a common cold, and they might not have the characteristic “whoop” sound.

However, adults who haven’t been vaccinated can still get severe cases of whooping cough. They may experience long-lasting coughing fits that can keep them awake at night. Many people who have had these fits describe it as the worst cough they’ve ever experienced. This can disrupt daily life and lead to serious complications.

How common is pertussis?

Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, the U.S. saw hundreds of thousands of whooping cough cases each year.

Today, the number of cases has dropped significantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1,600 cases of pertussis were reported in the U.S. in 2021.

However, outbreaks still happen every few years, leading to spikes in cases. Whooping cough remains a global issue, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 151,000 cases worldwide in 2018.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Early symptoms of whooping cough can be similar to those of a common cold. These symptoms may last for one to two weeks and can include:

• Mild fever
• Occasional coughing
• Runny nose
• Breathing pauses in babies (apnea)

After the first week or two, whooping cough symptoms typically include:

• Long, repeated coughing fits (called paroxysms) that can last for up to 10 weeks or more
• A “whooping” sound when inhaling after coughing
• Vomiting
• Tiredness from constant coughing

While symptoms usually start to improve after four weeks, coughing fits can continue for several months.

What causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The infection begins when these bacteria enter your respiratory system. They attach to the tiny hair-like structures (cilia) lining your airways. Once attached, they release toxins that harm your cilia and cause your airways to swell. This swelling leads to increased mucus production, which results in severe coughing.

Is whooping cough contagious?

Yes, when you cough or sneeze, you release tiny droplets that contain the bacteria into the air. People nearby can inhale these droplets and become infected. You can spread the infection even before you show symptoms and remain contagious for up to two weeks after your coughing begins.

What is Herpes?

Herpes is an infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which has two primary types: Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). HSV-1 typically results in oral herpes, characterized by sores and blisters in and around the mouth. In contrast, HSV-2 is responsible for genital herpes, causing sores and blisters in the genital area, buttocks, inner thighs, and vaginal region.

How Is Herpes Transmitted?

The herpes simplex viruses are highly contagious. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can spread through direct contact with an infected sore, saliva, or other bodily fluids. 

The skin in the genital, oral, and eye regions is particularly susceptible to infection. If you touch a herpes sore and then touch your mouth or genitals without washing your hands, you can transmit the virus. HSV-2 is primarily spread through sexual contact, and the risk of genital herpes increases with multiple sexual partners, a history of sexually transmitted infections, or a compromised immune system.

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Herpes is not transmitted through indirect contact, such as hugging, holding hands, or coughing, as the virus does not survive long outside the body. It thrives in moist areas like the genital and oral regions.

Additionally, herpes can be transmitted even when the infected person shows no symptoms due to a phenomenon known as viral shedding. During this process, the virus releases viral particles without any visible sores. Factors like a person’s immune status and how recently they were infected can influence the amount of virus shed. Generally, individuals with HSV-2 shed more viral particles compared to those with HSV-1, especially if their immune system is weakened or they were recently infected.

How is Herpes Diagnosed?

To diagnose herpes simplex virus (HSV), a doctor begins by examining any blisters. They may also inquire about related symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms, tingling, or burning sensations in the affected areas.

To confirm the diagnosis, a culture may be performed. This involves taking a sample of fluid from the sore and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

In cases where symptoms are absent but HSV is suspected, a blood test can be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. Since there are no visible symptoms to culture, this test looks for HSV antibodies. However, it’s important to note that antibodies may not be detectable until at least 12 weeks after the initial infection.

What are The Symptoms of Oral Herpes?

Oral herpes is primarily caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The initial symptoms typically include itching, burning, or tingling sensations around the mouth, lips, or tongue. Following these early signs, small blisters or cold sores may appear in the affected areas.

These blisters can also manifest on the face, tongue, and other parts of the skin, but they are most commonly found in the oral cavity, on the lips, and inside the mouth.

Cold sores usually take about 4 to 6 days to burst and heal by forming a crust. These outbreaks tend to be recurrent and last for 2 to 3 weeks, which is shorter than the 2 to 6 weeks commonly seen with genital herpes outbreaks.

What are the signs of genital herpes?

Genital herpes is often asymptomatic or leads to mild symptoms. The primary symptom is the presence of blistering lesions known as cold sores, typically located around the genitals, rectum, and inner thighs. 

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These lesions are fluid-filled and contain the virus. When they rupture, the fluid may leak out, resulting in small, painful sores that can persist for 2 to 6 weeks. The virus remains in the body, causing these lesions to recur in future outbreaks.

Symptoms of Recurring Herpes

In addition to the cold sore outbreaks associated with both types of HSV, other symptoms that may affect the body include:

– Fever

– Headaches

– Swelling of the lymph nodes

– Eye infections

– Body aches

– Decreased appetite

– Pain at the infection site

– Recurring blisters

Herpes Simplex Treatment

It is advised to start antiviral medication at the first sign of symptoms or upon confirmation of the diagnosis. This approach can help shorten the duration of symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading quickly.

While blisters often improve on their own without medical intervention, severe or frequent outbreaks are typically managed with antiviral medications. These treatments also lower the risk of transmitting the virus by decreasing viral load and shedding.

Antiviral medications are available in both pill and cream forms.

Managing Herpes Simplex

HSV is a lifelong condition, but this doesn’t mean that individuals will constantly experience sores or pain. Herpes generally does not lead to serious health issues. 

The initial outbreak is often the most painful, but subsequent outbreaks tend to become less severe and may diminish over time. Home remedies can help alleviate symptoms like pain and discomfort from blisters and lesions. Additionally, antiviral medication can reduce the frequency of outbreaks and the risk of transmitting the virus to others. 

To minimize the risk of transmission and stay safe, consider the following preventive measures:

– Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors and toothbrushes, that may come into contact with lesions.

– Refrain from oral sex and direct contact if you have oral herpes until the sores have fully healed.

– If you have genital HSV, avoid all skin-to-genital contact from the onset of early symptoms until you are on medication and the sores have healed.

– Practice good hand hygiene after touching sores or applying medication.

While HSV cannot be completely cured, it doesn’t have to interfere with your daily life. By using medication, home remedies to manage symptoms, and taking preventive measures, you can effectively manage herpes. For more information on herpes and other conditions, visit the Metropolis website.