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Podcast: Whooping Cough Uncovered: A GP's Guide to the Cough, the Risks, and the Vaccine

Is it a cough that lingers for weeks, a cold that escalates into uncontrollable coughing fits, or the sound of a worrying gasp for air in a young child? You might be dealing with pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.1 Caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, this highly contagious respiratory infection affects people of all ages but poses the greatest threat to infants under six months old, who are most often infected by family members.

In this episode, we provide a clear, evidence-based guide to navigating whooping cough in the Australian community. We explain why this vaccine-preventable disease continues to be a public health concern due to waning immunity and what you need to know to protect the most vulnerable.

Join us to learn:

• The three distinct phases of pertussis, from its mild, cold-like beginning to the severe paroxysmal stage, and why the classic "whoop" may be absent in infants and adults.
• The life-threatening complications for infants, including apnoea (stopping breathing), pneumonia, and seizures, and why they require special attention.
• How pertussis is diagnosed in a general practice setting, including the gold-standard PCR test and the best time to perform it for accurate results.
• The crucial role of antibiotics: when they can reduce illness severity and transmission, and the recommended treatment regimens for different age groups.
• Key public health measures, including why pertussis is a notifiable disease and the rules for exclusion from school or childcare to prevent spread.
• The cornerstone of prevention: a complete breakdown of the Australian vaccination schedule, the critical importance of maternal vaccination during every pregnancy, and post-exposure treatment for close contacts.

The good news is that vaccination is a highly effective shield against severe disease. Tune in to understand the signs, the treatments, and the vital role of community immunity in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable from whooping cough.

Keywords: Pertussis (Whooping Cough); Bordetella pertussis; Paroxysmal Cough; Infant Apnoea; Maternal Vaccination; Community Immunity; Cocooning; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP); Notifiable Disease; Australian Vaccination Schedule; Azithromycin; Respiratory Infection.

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