Whooping cough in adulthood

[IntoValhalla]

A friend pointed me in the direction of Mumsnet to ask about this....

I’ve found out today from the results of a throat culture taken last week that I have Whooping Cough I was vaccinated as a child, and had the vaccine in both previous pregnancies. I’m only 14 weeks pregnant now, so haven’t had the jab yet. What’s the deal with that?! Is it some kind of short-acting vaccine And I’ve just been unlucky enough to catch it?
The cough is absolutely horrendous. It’s a real hacking cough that sounds like a dog barking in my chest, and some of the coughing fits are making me vomit
Both of my children are fully vaccinated and up to date so I’m assuming they are protected and shouldn’t catch it from me?

[OverFedStanley]

You poor thing my DH got whooping cough last year.

Apparently the vaccine does not last long and so adults can easily catch it. We were told the vaccine lasts about 10 years but maybe not in your case

If it is any consolation noone else in our house caught it but we did banish him to the spare room.

It was all pretty horrendous for a few weeks but then he began to feel better between the attacks but it did drag on for a long time.

Do look after yourself you have my full sympathy try to get pampered and rest as much as you can (not easy when you have DCs!)

[IntoValhalla]

OverFedStanley
That’s what I feared!

I had a couple of weeks of flu-like symptoms before the horrible cough began, and according to my GP the general illness preceded the cough, and then you usually feel pretty well apart from the crazy coughing fits!
I took myself downstairs and slept on the sofa bed last night because I was worried my hacking sounds would wake the children!
I’m lucky in that DH now has a couple of weeks off work (early Easter leave) so he’s really taking the helm when it comes to the house and the children
How long roughly until your DH’s cough started to subside? The dr said it can last up to 3 months?!

[Seeline]

I caught it at about 6 months Pg. I wasn't vaccinated as a child for medical reasons, and it was 17 years ago so no further vaccine offered. I had only just stopped 24/7 morning sickness!
It was horrible - the cough was awful. I had just about stopped by the time I gave birth so yes about 3 months. I think they call it the 100 day cough?
Even now if I catch a cold/cough, I'm sure it lasts longer than it used to.
Try and rest as much as you can, and hope you feel better soon.

[IntoValhalla]

Seeline I’ve only just got over the morning sickness too

[OverFedStanley]

Oh my you poor thing having got over the morning sickness and now this.

It did last over 3 months (nearly 9 months)BUT and a huge but it was not like you have it now. For about three weeks he could not sleep, could not talk etc for a horrendous cough with horrific mucus etc. It was nasty to watch . Then it just gradually got better. He was able to function and work etc but still had a few bad coughing episodes a day usually in the evening but especially if he raised his voice.

We were all given precautionary antibiotics not sure if you can do that in pregnancy not that it will help you but after 5 days you will no longer be infectious.

Yay at least your Dh is around for the worst bit - hopefully when he goes back to work you will be feeling better.

[IntoValhalla]

OverFedStanley
It’s definitely night time that’s the worst for coughing! I keep trying sit sleep almost upright, propped on pillows to calm it a bit but not having much luck.
My eldest child is 3, and she’s being such a sweetheart - she came home from preschool today, stroked my head and said “I’ll help daddy look after you mama!” So I’m feeling very well taken care of!

[OverFedStanley]

Oh bless her

My DH slept on a wedge cushion which did help at bit. Do hang on in there this worst bit will pass