Whooping Cough Day, held on 8 November, is an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight preventative measures that can protect you and your loved ones during Australia’s ongoing 2024 epidemic.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses a major public health threat. It can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can be life-threatening, particularly for infants. There are typically whooping cough epidemics in Australia every three to four years as immunity wanes, but staying proactive and informed can help control the spread and save lives.

As such, this year’s theme, “Stay Up-To-Date. Vaccinate,” encourages Australians to ensure they are current on all vaccinations and boosters at key moments and ages. For children, these are at two, four, six, and 18 months, at four years, and between the ages of 11 and 13. It is especially important that pregnant women are vaccinated between 20 and 32 weeks to reduce infant death.

Adults should have a booster if they are likely to come into contact with infants under six months and at ages 50 and 65 and over. If you are travelling overseas or working in healthcare or childcare and have not had a booster in the last decade, you should also get vaccinated. You can book an appointment for vaccinations at various health services, and the National Immunisation Program offers vaccines through general practices, local council immunisation clinics in certain states and territories, community health centres, Aboriginal Medical Services, and even schools for attending adolescents.

While vaccination is the most effective preventative measure against whooping cough, it is also crucial to look out for potential symptoms and take action to stop the spread if exposure to the infection is suspected. As the name suggests, people infected typically have a hacking cough followed by a ‘whooping’ sound. Other symptoms include a fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, and red, watery eyes. Whooping cough spreads through airborne pathogens, with coughing, sneezing, talking, or singing capable of transmitting the bacteria from one person to another.

In addition to vaccination, slow the spread by coughing into your elbow rather than the air, avoiding contact with infants and older people if you are experiencing symptoms, and seeking swift treatment. Diagnosis is confirmed through blood tests or nose and throat swabs, and treatment involves taking antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. Managing other symptoms at home can include using a humidifier to soothe coughing and loosen mucus and regularly eating small meals to prevent vomiting.

Staying informed and taking preventative measures can make a significant difference in protecting communities and at-risk groups.