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Pertussis

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Pertussis

A very contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

Symptoms:

  • Tiredness
  • Lack of appetite
  • Runny nose
  • Streaming eyes and a short dry cough that usually occurs at night. 
  • Later your child begins to cough on the out breath and, on the intake of breath, makes a whooping sound (which is why it is also knoen as whooping cough).
  • The coughing may then lead to vomiting. 

Seriousness:

  • Take your child to a doctor as soon as you suspect whooping cough, as an antibiotic can abort and reduce the severity of this disease, which can last up to three months. 

Treatment:

  • Give your child soft food and plenty of water. 
  • You may halt an attack of coughing by slapping your child gently on the back. 
  • You will need to take turns looking after a child with whooping cough at night, as it will exhaust you.
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