Cases of whooping cough spike in Singapore

[Dr Christopher Cheok C S]

Cases of whooping cough spike in Singapore
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sin...liday-travel-lack-updated-vaccination-4813401

SINGAPORE: A prolonged and painful cough that persists over several weeks – that is what those who contract whooping cough face, as opposed to those who catch the common flu.

Cases of this bacterial disease – also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough – this year have increased fivefold compared with the same period last year.
Whooping cough, which is highly contagious, is usually spread through a patient coughing, sneezing or breathing very close to someone else.

Apart from lengthy and repeated bouts of coughing, symptoms include vomiting after coughing and a high-pitched sound when breathing in.

 

[Dr Christopher Cheok C S]

The actual cases is certainly higher and seniors above 65 will be more vulnerable. If symptoms persists they could develop into pneumonia.

What should you do:



If you are at Stage 1: You just started to cough, some might develop running nose, phlegm or sore throat. Symptoms vary but this is only the beginning. You can consider getting OTC (non-prescription) cough syrups that break up mucus (for a few days) and fluimucil to tide you through. Most people will not get well at this stage. If you visit doctors, they may give you similar medicines or weak antibiotics eg amoxicillin/Clarithromycin 250mg x 2 times x 5 days

WARNING: At any time, seek MEDICAL HELP immediately when you develop fever, it could be chest infection.


Most people will hit Stage 2: Your running nose, sore throat or phlegm will subside but your coughing worsens. If seniors refuse to see doctor for stronger antibiotics (eg. Ciprofloxacin/Amoxicillin/Clarithromycin 500mg x 2 times x 5 days), they will very likely develop pneumonia or mycoplasma and spread to more people around you. Doctor will also likely switch to prescription cough syrups for dry coughs such as as Dextromethorphan.

* Do not mix Dextromethorphan cough syrup with advanced painkillers. Best to take them 3-4 hours apart.


Stage 3: You start to develop fever, oxygen level (on oximeter) consistently drops below 95%, can't breathe, becomes delulu, very tired, wheezing, etc. You need to go back to the same doctor or if symptoms are more severe, go straight to A&E.

 

[laksaboy]

Once your immune system is destroyed, 'whooping cough' will be the least of your worries.