Anyone showing signs and symptoms, which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic '
whoop' sound in young children but as a prolonged cough in older children and adults, should visit their GP as soon as possible."
The babies cough spasmodically, then
whoop as they try to catch their breath.
Possible symptoms A cough with a distinctive "
whoop" sound as the child tries to breathe, common cold symptoms and vomiting.
Dr Gent added: "Whooping cough can be a very unpleasant infection and anyone showing signs and symptoms - which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic "
whoop" sound in young children or a prolonged cough in older children and adults - should visit their GP as soon as possible.
Whooping cough can affect people of all ages but is serious in young children, who suffer fits of coughing, with a distinctive "
whoop" sound.
Children may make a "
whoop" sound at the end of a spell, have a hard time breathing and can turn red or bluish.
At the end of each coughing episode, a long inspiratory effort is made to get air into the lungs, which is accompanied by a '
whoop' sound.
"Parents should also be alert to the signs and symptoms - which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic '
whoop' sound in young children, but as a prolonged cough in older children or adults."
Children with pertussis often have episodes of rapid, spasmodic coughing followed by a characteristic intake of breath that sounds like a
whoop.
"Parents should also be alert to the signs and symptoms - which include severe coughing fits accompanied by the characteristic "
whoop" sound in young children but as a prolonged cough in older children or adults.
The main symptoms are severe coughing fits, accompanied by the characteristic
whoop sound as the child gasps for breath.
Symptoms might first appear to be that of a common cold and although there could be a violent cough lasting up to three months, it does not always have the characteristic '
whoop,' especially in young infants.