Whooping cough has spread at a very high rate in Denmark, and it is not unlikely that it will also take off in Sweden. According to Leif Dotevall, deputy infectious disease doctor in Västra Götaland, it is the newborn children who are at greatest risk. For young children, whooping cough can have serious consequences, and in the worst case, lead to death.
– We only have a few cases of whooping cough in Sweden so far. Whooping cough almost disappeared during the pandemic. But when it starts to appear in our neighboring countries, we have to prepare, says According to Leif Dotevall.
Since August last year, the Public Health Agency recommends that pregnant women get vaccinated against whooping cough, and this is to protect the newborn baby.
– Whooping cough has been included in the vaccination program for children for a long time, but it is only given in the third month. By vaccinating the pregnant woman, a large amount of antibodies that protect her are transferred to the newborn child, continues According to Leif Dotevall.
CHILDREN AND WHOOPING COUGH
Whooping cough typically starts as a cold with a cough and possibly a mild fever. The cough increases, starts to come more attack-like and gradually becomes more and more intense. After one or a few weeks, the characteristic peeks appear. In connection with the coughing attacks, the child may find it difficult to breathe. Source: The Norwegian Public Health Agency
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