To be really worried about DS' Whooping cough

[blacktreaclecat]

He is 2.8 and has had all his appropriate vaccinations for his age (plus varicella which I paid privately for ).
He came home from nursery early on Tuesday having vomited. We had a terrible night with him coughing all night. On Wednesday he had a temp and at one point I couldn't wake him up so I phoned 111 (this was noon, we had a GP appt at 4) and they sent an ambulance. When they arrived his temp by their point and shoot thermometer was 41.4c- I didn't know that was possible!
They were very good at A&E, but they think he has whooping cough. They have given him 5 days claithromycin (bnf suggests this should be 7?).
I have to take him for a swab at the GP tomorrow- but will not consent to this if it will be uncomfortable or unpleasant for him as I can't see how it will change his management. Happy to report etc but they're not doing something horrid to my baby just for epidemiology (it's a reportable illness). Can anyone reassure me that the swab is easy and pain free?
I'm so worried about him. H and I had whooping cough as children but I'm pretty worried about my parents who haven't had it and not sure if vaccinated either.
Anyone know if prophylactic antibiotics or having the vaccine now is helpful.
I have started with a cough- I've had pertussis though, this is far more likely to be a seasonal cold isn't it- I don't feel poorly.
Anyone know how long the recovery is in a vaccinated child (also on antibiotics?) We are going to Centreparcs in 2.5 weeks :(
Very long rant from a tired worried mummy, sorry :(

My ds caught whooping cough at six weeks. The swab is just a cotton bud in his nostril ,it's nothing nasty. Warn the surgery as they need to keepyou away from other patients. Ds was much improved after antibiotics.

He's no longer infectious once the anti biotics ar completed but he might still be coughing it tooka month for ds.

Don't know about child whooping cough but I has it a year ago. Apparently my vaccination at 15? Would have run out by the ripe old age of 37. Even adults you know we're vaccinated could still catch it (although I see other posters telling you when he's infectious).

Hope he's on the mend
Xx

The virus has evolved so instead of the vaccine being 99% it's now only 89 or 91% likely to work. Sorry can't help with how long it will take to clear.

It's a bacterium I think, but we were told yesterday only 70% effective.

Some studies have shown that immunity from the vaccine wanes in as little as 12 months.

Sorry to hear he's unwell. WC is usually more dangerous in v young babies though. Adults who contract it don't usually have the 'whoop' so it can be harder to spot. It does last a while though. It's also known as the 100 day cough.

Just to update the swab went up his nose and was unpleasant but very quick - over before he had chance to cry. He was very brave.
We all have prescriptions to take prophylactically- mainly because I'm a healthcare worker.
He's a little perkier today too. :)

Sorry to hear about your son. You may want to ask your GP about Centre Parcs because from what I remember (brother, 25 years ago) the coughing goes on for weeks and weeks. Can't remember how long the infectious period is, though.

Apparently the infectious period was 21 days but now with antibiotic treatment it is 5 days - he's ok once his finished the course.
We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed he's well enough. We have travel insurance but are going with friends and don't want to let them down.