Good point Karen,

I had this recently, but didn’t recognise the symptoms, nor did the walk-in clinic I attended when I couldn’t get a GP appointment. When I now reflect on my symptoms – it’s just so obvious.

I only realised what it ‘probably’ was after my sister-in-law was diagnosed. Luckily, apart from the 2 of us, no-one else in our family has suffered.

I guess I just considered it a childhood disease and knew I had been vaccinated, so didn’t make the connection.

By the time I realised, I was coming to the end of the symptoms, so didn’t bother going to the GP, even though I know it’s notifiable.

My point is that it is useful to know more about it, as you may see presentations or queries at work, as Karen has. I should probably know better, but there are likely others out there who have this and are not reporting. It is supposed to be quite infectious in the early stages (which often mirrors a cough/cold), so it could be spread easily at work.

Matt

I have had a few queries about whooping cough this week and so post below the following extract from GP news and an article from the daily mail (which is where some of my queries have come from) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2171142/Should-parents-fear-whooping-cough-outbreak.html?ito=feeds-newsxml. Also see the following link which explains that this is not necessarily a childhood disease http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Whooping-Cough.htm so perhaps something we should be aware of in the workplace with the increase in cases.

GPs have again been urged to report cases of whooping cough to the Health Protection Agency and step up vaccination efforts, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.

Latest data show that 702 cases were reported in May 2012, a large jump from the previous month's 365 cases following a steady rise since January, bringing the total reported so far this year to 1,781 cases. This compares with 1,118 cases for the whole of 2011.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the HPA, said: "The HPA is very concerned about the ongoing increase in cases and we are working closely with the Department of Health and NHS colleagues to monitor the situation and make recommendations to control the spread of infection. In addition, we are working closely with health professionals and the public to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms."

Whooping cough outbreaks follow a cyclical pattern with increases usually seen every 3 to 4 years, the last peak being seen in 2008. The HPA reminds doctors that whooping cough can spread easily to close contacts such as family members and that vaccination is the most effective way to protect people - in particular the pre-school booster to protect children and prevent the spread of infection to vulnerable babies who are not fully protected by the vaccine.

Dr Ramsay added: "The HPA has written to GPs to remind them of the signs and symptoms of this infection and stress the importance of vaccination. The agency is also encouraging GPs to report cases quickly to reduce the spread of the infection and make them aware of the HPA's guidance for the management of whooping cough cases."

Regards

Karen

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