Whooping cough management Flashcards
Who should be notified in the case of whooping cough?
Notify the Health Protection Unit (HPU).
When should a patient with whooping cough be admitted in isolation?
Admit in isolation if the patient is less than 6 months old or acutely unwell, has significant breathing difficulties, or has significant complications.
What is the pharmacological treatment for whooping cough if admission is not needed and the onset of the cough is within 21 days?
Prescribe an antibiotic if the onset of the cough is within 21 days.
What antibiotic is given for whooping cough in patients less than 1 month old?
Clarithromycin is given for patients less than 1 month old.
What antibiotic is given for whooping cough in patients older than 1 month and not pregnant?
Azithromycin is given for patients older than 1 month and not pregnant.
What should be given if macrolides are contraindicated in treating whooping cough?
If macrolides are contraindicated, give co-trimoxazole, but do not use in infants less than 6 weeks of age.
What advice should be given regarding symptomatic relief for whooping cough?
Advise rest, adequate fluid intake, and the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief.
What should parents be informed about the duration of the cough despite antibiotic treatment for whooping cough?
Inform parents that the disease is likely to cause a protracted non-infectious cough that may take weeks to resolve.
What should be advised regarding nursery or school attendance for children with whooping cough?
Advise that children should avoid nursery or school until 48 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment has been completed or until 21 days after the onset of the cough if it was not treated.
What should parents be advised to do once the acute illness of whooping cough has been dealt with?
Advise parents to complete any outstanding immunisations.
How long can the cough persist in some children with whooping cough?
Counsel that the cough can persist for 3 or more months in some children.
How should the diagnosis of whooping cough be explained to parents?
Explain that whooping cough is a cough that lasts for a reasonably long time.
What should be explained to parents about the rarity of whooping cough?
Explain that whooping cough isn’t seen very often because of the immunisation programme, and discuss any concerns about immunisation with the parent.
What should be explained about the possibility of getting whooping cough again?
Explain that having whooping cough once does not mean you can’t have it again.
What should be explained about the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating whooping cough?
Explain that antibiotics can help treat the condition, but the cough often persists for a long time.
Whooping cough management summary
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