Pertussis transmission routes

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 18, 2025
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Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease often seen in children. It is typically caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, and is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and close contact with infected individuals. It has a strong contagion potential, with contagiousness becoming significant about two to three weeks from the incubation period to the onset of symptoms. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to isolate the patient promptly and administer medications to alleviate discomfort. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through the cultivation of the pathogen. Treatment includes medications to thin the mucus, isolation of the infectious source, and the use of macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin to manage inflammation during the acute phase.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis transmission routes

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease often seen in children. It is typically caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, and is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and close contact with infected individuals. It has a strong contagion potential, with contagiousness becoming significant about two to three weeks from the incubation period to the onset of symptoms. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to isolate the patient promptly and administer medications to alleviate discomfort. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through the cultivation of the pathogen. Treatment includes medications to thin the mucus, isolation of the infectious source, and the use of macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin to manage inflammation during the acute phase.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
48sec home-news-image

Is whooping cough an infectious disease?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious disease that is a respiratory tract infection. It primarily spreads through airborne droplets and close daily contact. Clinically, there is a vaccine available for this condition, mainly the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine. Following the vaccination schedule and developing antibodies can effectively prevent the disease. This disease has a lengthy course and can easily cause recurrent coughing episodes and persistent symptoms. It is important to correctly understand and be aware of the characteristics of its onset. If suspected, early examination and timely selection of medications for symptom control are essential, along with addressing the underlying cause.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What fruits can be eaten with whooping cough?

Pertussis, once diagnosed, should be treated promptly with anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic care. Regarding diet, common fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, pears, watermelons, pineapples, avocados, and mangoes can generally be consumed without special restrictions. Eating more pears, tangerines, and oranges can effectively moisturize the lungs, dissolve phlegm, suppress coughs, and alleviate symptoms. It is also important to drink plenty of water and maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity to aid in recovery from the disease. Early detection and treatment of the disease, and the formulation of individualized treatment measures, are crucial.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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The "hundred days" in whooping cough refers to what?

The whooping cough we refer to clinically is a type of respiratory infectious disease. The term "hundred days" relates to the duration of the disease, which is relatively long, sometimes approaching one hundred days, hence the name whooping cough. However, it does not necessarily mean that one will cough or be infected for such a long duration. The specific circumstances should be determined according to the number of infecting pathogens and the body's immune response. If the immune system is normal and the infection is minor, some patients can recover without medication. Once a severe infection is diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly use sensitive antibiotics and engage in timely anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is whooping cough transmitted?

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is primarily caused by the infection of Bordetella pertussis. The main transmission routes are through the respiratory tract or via close contact, particularly in classrooms where young children are present, which can easily lead to cross-infection. The disease has an incubation period of about three to seven days, and in some cases, it can range from two to three weeks. Children under the age of five have the highest incidence rate. Clinically, vaccination is recommended for prevention. Once infected, the early stages of the disease resemble those of a common cold, with typical symptoms being paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing.