Whooping cough has been circulating heavily on French soil since the beginning of the year. What should you do if you or your child have contracted this bacterial infection?
- Whooping cough cases are exploding in France. More than 5,800 patients were recorded between January and May 2024, according to the Pasteur Institute.
- It is necessary to consult quickly in the presence of symptoms to avoid complications and contamination.
- Several actions help reduce the impact of symptoms such as humidifying the air, stopping smoking, drinking and eating regularly…
Whooping cough has been raging in France for several months. More than 5,800 cases were recorded between January and May 2024, according to Pasteur InstituteThis infection, most often caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, can be particularly dramatic for vulnerable people, as the recent death of two infants in Rouen reminds us.
To avoid complications and limit the transmission of the disease, several actions must be taken when faced with the symptoms of whooping cough.
Whooping cough: rapid consultation is essential
Sudden coughing fits, difficulty breathing, red or blue face, vomiting, bursting of the small vessels around the eyes… These symptoms may lead to suspicion of whooping cough. It is then essential to see a doctor quickly to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
“It is important that anyone who has contracted the disease can receive appropriate treatment and avoid being in contact with young children or people who have not been adequately vaccinated during the period when whooping cough is contagious.”specifies theHealth Insurance on its website.
For healthcare professionals, you must make an appointment when:
- there is a cough that comes in fits with spasms;
- the cough persists for more than seven days and gets worse;
- a three- to six-month-old infant coughs;
- there has been contact with a person with whooping cough and your vaccinations are not up to date.
Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for young children. You should seek medical attention or go to the emergency room quickly if:
- the infant who coughs at less than three months;
- the child’s fingertips and the area around his mouth turn blue during coughing fits;
- the child stops breathing even for short moments;
- coughing fits make breathing difficult or rapid;
- the baby seems lethargic (sleepy) or weak;
- he has convulsions (unstoppable body movements) or fainting;
- the baby refuses to drink, vomits and shows signs of dehydration (listless baby, moaning, pallor, dark circles under the eyes, vomiting, etc.);
- he has a high fever.
Whooping cough: the right actions to take in the event of contamination
The first thing to do after being diagnosed with whooping cough is to notify the people you have been in contact with and your workplace. If it is your child who is sick, you should quickly notify the daycare, childminder or school so that measures can be taken.
“Stay home or keep your child at home for three to five days after starting antibiotic treatment for whooping cough (depending on the medication used). During this time, also avoid contact with infants and people who have not been adequately vaccinated against whooping cough.”advises Health Insurance.
Certain actions also help to reduce the impact of symptoms:
- humidify the air in your home: this measure helps soothe coughs and promotes the evacuation of mucus. To do this, you can use a humidifier. Other tips if you do not have this type of device: hang out your laundry or damp towels in the room, iron, air the room, etc.;
- sleep in a room at 19-20 degrees;
- stop smoking and/or avoid exposing the child to passive smoking: this avoids further irritation of the respiratory tract and a worsening cough through a domino effect.It is best not to smoke at all in your home, including in rooms other than the one where your child is.”adds the French organization;
- drink regularly to avoid dehydration;
- Give the child small amounts of food frequently: this prevents malnutrition. “Before and after feeding, keep him upright: this reduces regurgitation and vomiting. This position will also help him breathe better.” ;
- do nasal washes or blow your nose regularly if your nose is blocked.
Health Insurance adds a warning on its website. “Do not give your child cough medicines or bronchial thinners. They are ineffective and can be dangerous.”