Sneeze

• Cases are highest in Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 1,000 recorded in each state.
• The last time Queensland recorded more than 1,000 cases in three months was the first quarter of 2013.
• So what is whooping cough, why are cases rising now, and how can you protect yourself?

It’s most dangerous for babies

• The initial symptoms of whooping cough resemble other cold and flu-like symptoms.
• However, as the disease progresses into the second week, the coughing fits become worse and more frequent.
• After or between bouts of coughing, patients may gasp for air and produce the characteristic “whoop” noise.
• Immunity from these vaccines wanes over time, so it’s also recommended adults receive a booster, particularly those who may come into frequent contact with babies.

Why are cases rising now?

• Due to COVID measures such as border closures, social isolation and masks, the number of cases declined dramatically during 2020–23.
• In Australia, cases have been particularly high during this outbreak in children aged 10–14.

A potential superbug

• Most vaccines used in Australia and other developed countries stimulate your immune system to recognise and target three to five components of the bacteria.
• These mutations make the bacteria look slightly different to the one used in the vaccine, helping it better hide from the immune system.

• But in 2008, a new strain appeared in Australia that no longer produced pertactin, one of the components targeted by the vaccine.
• This means your immune system, like a detective, has one less clue to recognise the bacteria.
• Read more:
  Low vaccination and immunity rates mean NZ faces a harsh whooping cough winter – what needs to happen

What next?

• Greater tracking of whooping cough strains, like we do with COVID, is needed to inform future vaccine design and treatments.
• Importantly, although the bacteria is evolving, current vaccines are still very effective at preventing serious disease and reducing transmission.

Laurence Don Wai Luu does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

• These results demonstrate the durable treatment effect of RhinAer® for treating chronic rhinitis, showing a significant improvement in symptoms through two years.
• These findings build on the previously published results of two separate studies that also demonstrated significant, sustained improvement with RhinAer treatment.1,2
  This press release features multimedia.
• More than 87% of patients responded to treatment and patients showed sustained improvement in chronic rhinitis symptoms at two years.
• Chronic rhinitis, when symptoms last more than four consecutive weeks, can be challenging to treat and may significantly lower a person’s quality of life.

• PITTSBURGH, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create an accessory for disposable face masks to provide an extra layer of protection," said an inventor, from Los Angeles, Calif., "so I invented the DISPOSABLE MOUTH PROTECTION.
• My design would protect the user and the mask against the associated germs, lipstick stains, etc."
• The invention provides enhanced protection for face masks.
• 22-OCC-1601, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext.

• has identified at-home recommendations to combat winter allergy symptoms, helping allergy sufferers manage triggers, ease concerns, and avoid future flare-ups.
• “Many associate seasonal allergies just with spring but winter presents a different challenge to allergy sufferers.
• Moreover, simple lifestyle changes and at-home tips can help manage symptoms and bring some relief during these cooler months,” says Dr. Peters, with Bethany Medical Clinic.
• Dr. Peters shares preventative measures to decrease your chances of winter and indoor allergies and lower your risk of developing sinusitis and nasal polyps.