Warnings have been issued over an outbreak of whooping cough circulating in Salford. Salford city council has published a warning about the illness in the Broughton area on its website.
“Whooping cough can spread very easily,” it says. “Babies and young children are most at risk.” The symptoms are:
- Initially cold-like symptoms -runny nose and sore throat
- Rapid and uncontrolled coughing fits which often make a ‘whoop’ sound
- Often babies don’t cough but turn blue or grey
- Struggling to breathe
- Bringing up thick mucus that can make a child vomit
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Parents are being advised to contact their GP for advice if they think their child has whooping cough. The post says: “Please seek urgent medical attention if you or your child are finding it hard to breathe properly, or your child’s lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey.
“On black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.” It says the best way to protect a child from whooping cough is through vaccination.
“Antenatal vaccination is the only way to protect newborns from whooping cough in the early weeks,” it says. “Pregnant women can be vaccinated antenatally from 16 weeks onwards - they should contact their midwife. Babies can be vaccinated from eight weeks.
“Please check your child has been vaccinated - it will be in your child’s red book vaccination page. If your child is not vaccinated or you are unsure, please contact your GP and book an appointment.”
Salford GPs offer immunisation appointments both in their routine day clinics, as well as in extended-hours clinics, including weekends.
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