How do babies get whooping cough?

Infants are primarily infected with pertussis through respiratory droplets, close contact, and indirect contact. Latent infection, low immunity, unvaccinated, and population aggregation also increase the risk of infection. Pertussis is an acute respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, which occurs primarily in infants and young children. The following is a detailed analysis of how infants get pertussis: 1. Respiratory droplet transmission: Bordetella pertussis is mainly transmitted through droplets. When infected persons cough, sneeze or speak, they will release the bacteria into the air. Others may be infected with pertussis after inhaling these droplets. 2. Close contact transmission: Close contact with infected persons, such as living together, kissing, hugging, etc., may also lead to transmission of the bacteria. 3. Indirect contact transmission: Bordetella pertussis can survive in nasopharyngeal secretions of infected persons for a period of time. It is also possible to infect pertussis through contact with articles used by infected persons, such as toys, tableware, etc. 4. Latent infection: After infection with Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria will lurk in the body, and it will take some time before the disease occurs. The incubation period is usually 7 - 14 days, but can be as long as 21 days.5. Immunocompromised: Infants whose immune systems are not fully developed are more susceptible to whooping cough than adults, especially those with immune system problems, such as those with immunodeficiency diseases and those receiving immunosuppressant treatment.6. Unvaccinated: Pertussis vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent pertussis. Infants who are not vaccinated regularly or incompletely increase their risk of pertussis infection. 7. Population aggregation: Pertussis is more likely to spread in group settings such as kindergartens and nurseries because of close contact between infants and opportunities for droplet transmission. To prevent pertussis infection in infants, parents and caregivers can take the following measures: 1. Maintain good personal hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. 2. Avoid taking infants to crowded places, especially during epidemic periods. 3. Vaccinate against pertussis in a timely manner and follow the vaccination schedule. 4. Pay attention to the baby's nutrition and health and enhance its immunity. 5. Keep a close watch on the baby's health. If there is any abnormality, seek medical attention promptly. If the baby has symptoms such as cough, convulsion, etc., seek medical attention promptly and inform the doctor of the baby's contact history and vaccination status. The doctor will diagnose according to the symptoms and laboratory test results, and give appropriate treatment. In short, understanding how babies are infected with pertussis and how to prevent it is important to protect their health. Parents and caregivers should pay attention to preventive measures, vaccinate in time, and maintain good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of pertussis infection in infants. At the same time, they should pay close attention to the health status of infants and seek medical attention in case of abnormalities.