What is Whooping Cough? The Importance of Whooping Cough Vaccination During Pregnancy

Why is Whooping Cough Vaccination Recommended for Pregnant Women?

The whooping cough vaccine administered during pregnancy has now been included in the routine immunization program to protect babies from serious infections they may encounter after birth. This approach aims to provide early protection against life-threatening respiratory infections such as whooping cough, which babies may be exposed to while their immune systems are still underdeveloped. So why is whooping cough so dangerous? When during pregnancy should the vaccine be administered, and to whom? All these questions were answered by Pediatric Health and Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manolya Kara and Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist Dr. Ece Zeynep Utkan Korun...

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a bacterial disease that affects the respiratory tract, is highly contagious, and can lead to life-threatening outcomes, especially in infants. Pointing out that there are an estimated 20-40 million cases of whooping cough worldwide each year, Yeditepe University Hospitals Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Manolya Kara said, “Unfortunately, approximately 300,000 people (mostly children) die each year due to whooping cough.”

Is Whooping Cough Dangerous?

Reminding us that the greatest risk is in newborns whose immune systems are not yet developed and who have not completed their vaccination series, our expert drew attention to the seriousness of the disease, stating, “Whooping cough can be severe enough to cause respiratory arrest, intracranial hemorrhage, seizures, and even death, especially in infants under one year of age.”

What Are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?

Our expert, who stated that the disease progresses in three stages and emphasized that it is often confused with the common cold, especially in the first weeks, and that contagiousness is at its highest during this period, continued: "The disease generally progresses in three stages, and symptoms intensify over time. The initial “catarrhal stage” lasts approximately 1-2 weeks, and during this stage, it is impossible to distinguish patients from those with a simple cold. Symptoms similar to a “cold” are observed, such as mild fever, runny nose, mild cough, fatigue, and watery eyes. This period is the most contagious stage.

In the second stage of the disease (paroxysmal stage; 2-6 weeks), clinical symptoms become more pronounced. In children, successive coughing accompanied by cyanosis, deep gasping for breath, and often vomiting are observed. Coughing can be so severe during this stage that serious complications such as intracranial hemorrhage, rib fractures, and seizures may occur. In the next stage (recovery stage), coughing fits decrease but may last for weeks.The overall condition improves. However, another respiratory infection during this period can cause the cough to flare up again.

Whooping cough causes intense and uncontrollable coughing fits. These fits can lead to breathing difficulties, vomiting, fainting, and even broken ribs. In infants, it can cause apnea (cessation of breathing) and serious lung infections. Because of this, the disease is very serious.

Is Whooping Cough Contagious?

Whooping cough spreads very easily through coughing and sneezing and can spread rapidly in crowded places. Our expert points out that adolescents and young adults in particular can easily spread the disease to others because they may experience only mild symptoms. "In addition, it is also risky for the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. If herd immunity cannot be achieved, outbreaks may increase. Although it is a vaccine-preventable disease, outbreaks may occur periodically due to the waning of immunity over time and declining vaccination rates. Unvaccinated individuals can contribute to the spread of the disease in the community. Therefore, whooping cough is a serious and important disease for public health that must be prevented."