Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing spells and other respiratory symptoms. The advice given to travellers regarding pertussis by the Australian and British health authorities may differ in some respects, including:
Vaccination recommendations: The Australian and British health authorities may have different recommendations regarding pertussis vaccination for travellers. For example, the Australian Government Department of Health recommends that adults who have not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in the past 10 years consider getting vaccinated before traveling, especially if they are in close contact with infants or young children. In contrast, the UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends pertussis vaccination for pregnant women, but does not specifically advise vaccination for other travellers. Further information is available on the UK Department of Health page NaTHNaC – Pertussis (whooping cough) and travel (travelhealthpro.org.uk)
Precautions for close contact with infants: Both the Australian and British health authorities recommend that travellers who are in close contact with infants take extra precautions to avoid transmitting pertussis. This may include avoiding close contact with infants if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection, washing hands frequently, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Advice for symptomatic travellers: The Australian and British health authorities may provide different advice for travellers who develop symptoms of pertussis while abroad. For example, the Australian Government Department of Health advises travellers to seek medical attention if they develop symptoms of pertussis, and to avoid contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission. The UK NHS advises travellers who develop symptoms of pertussis while abroad to contact a healthcare professional for advice.
It is important to note that recommendations regarding pertussis may vary depending on a traveller’s individual circumstances, such as their age, health status, and itinerary. Travelers should consult with a healthcare professional or travel health specialist to determine the best course of action for their specific needs.