NIH issues advisory in view of possible spread of whooping cough

Expressing fears about the spread of whooping cough in the country, the National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday directed that steps be taken to control its spread, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In its advisory, the NIH said that the disease spread when its patient either coughed or sneezed.

It further said that the isolation period suggested for the patient was either between 7 to 10 days or 4 to 21 days.

The institute informed that mild fever, cough, and running nose were initial symptoms of the disease and that with the passage of time, the patient began to cough more often. “However, the cough is over after three weeks,” read the advisory.

It was informed that the disease especially took its toll on newborn babies, and led to complications such as pneumonia, dehydration and loss of appetite in patients. “Infection in ears and psychological disorder may also be the consequences of the ailment,” it said, adding, “The diagnosis of whooping cough is only possible through the PCR test. It is extremely important to treat the disease right at the start.”

Furthermore, the NIH said, the intake of antibiotics could reduce the intensity of cough, and that timely vaccination could also save a person from getting infected. “The vaccination is extremely important for the people more prone to contracting the disease.  A newborn is administered the vaccine after six, 10 and 16 weeks of his or her birth.”

People were advised in the advisory to take measures to protect themselves from the disease. “Keep distance from the people suffering from the disease. And if somebody has physical contact with the patient, he should then wash his hands with a soap,” read the advisory.  

The institute also counselled people to cover their face and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk