After receiving the DTP vaccine, can you still get whooping cough?

Written by Li Ying
Neonatology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The DTP vaccine is a combination of pertussis bacteria, diphtheria toxoid, and tetanus toxoid, which can prevent whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus simultaneously. The target group for the DTP vaccine is children aged 3 months to 7 years. The DTP vaccine requires three consecutive shots. Only after the three consecutive injections will sufficient antibodies be produced. However, these antibodies can only be maintained for a certain period of time and do not provide lifelong immunity. Many parents mistakenly think that once their child is vaccinated, they are invulnerable to all diseases, but this is an unscientific notion. The efficacy of vaccines is not 100%. The common basic vaccines currently used generally have an efficacy rate of over 80%, meaning that after vaccination, 80% of people will produce antibodies. However, since the antibody concentration of some vaccines can decrease significantly over time to a level that does not reach the immunity concentration, booster shots are necessary.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What causes whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease primarily caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It is contagious and has a prolonged course, often leading to paroxysmal spasmodic coughing. It is commonly seen in infants and spreads through airborne droplets and close contact. The disease is generally prevented through vaccination. It has been included in the national free vaccination program, with babies receiving injections at three, four, and five months of age as part of their basic immunization, followed by a booster shot after the age of two. Once antibodies are produced, they can effectively prevent the disease.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is caused by what?

Whooping cough is a type of contagious disease, caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes respiratory infection symptoms. Its characteristics include paroxysmal, hormone-like coughing, commonly seen in clinical paediatrics. It presents specific cough sounds, such as a bark-like cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. If similar symptoms are observed, sputum culture or other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and routine blood tests can be performed. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly select macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogens.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What does whooping cough mean?

Whooping cough is the name of a disease. It is called whooping cough because the course of the disease is relatively long, and it could potentially last for nearly a hundred days. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that one will cough for a hundred days; it's just a general term indicating that the disease has a long duration and tends to recur easily. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease, transmitted and spread through airborne droplets in clinical settings, with the main pathogens being Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Bordetella pertussis, among others. Personal hygiene habits in daily life should be paid attention to, and once diagnosed, antibiotics should be selected in time for anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Pertussis is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and is a commonly seen respiratory infectious disease in clinical settings. If a child is at school and classmates have pertussis without antibodies in their body, it is quite possible for the infection to occur, commonly seen in babies under five years old. If there are episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing accompanied by a barking sound or a crowing sound during inhalation, this disease should be highly suspected, and prompt culturing of the pathogen is needed for confirmation.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough contagious?

Whooping cough is a contagious disease, and principally transmitted from person to person. Currently, an effective way to prevent this disease is by vaccination with the DTaP vaccine. The name "whooping cough" does not mean the cough lasts for a hundred days; this is just a colloquial expression referring to its prolonged duration. The primary symptoms of this disease include severe, spasmodic coughing, during which the patient may exhibit redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, and even nausea and vomiting. Additional symptoms can include cyanosis of the lips and choking. In severe cases, it can cause whole-body convulsions leading to ischemic and hypoxic encephalopathy. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly treat with antibiotics and medications that relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms. During the acute phase, corticosteroids may also be used in treatment.