TiddlyPom

Actually, wasn't talking about that... was talking about what I am coughing up.

Japonica

Well, that's progress too...if you don't have any concerns with the former issue then you can always top up your vit C dose if you need to.

It's a good thing if you're mobilizing the gunk out of your lungs. It'll help prevent a secondary infection from brewing.

TiddlyPom

Before it was pretty watery... now... total opposite.

I now know 4 other separate folks up here with whooping cough. Amazing.

Japonica

Apparently in the Perth area the cumulative YTD rate is about 90 per 100,000 which is pretty high actually. Not sure what it is in your area, but just gives you an idea.

Right after that is the flu, about 85 per 100,000. My kid just came home from school today saying she had a headache, was tired, body aches, the whole bit, so we look to be in line for a visit from the flu bug here.

There's a fascinating discussion in the medical lit as a possible explanation why pertussis rates are peaking (with up to 95% coverage in most areas, it's not just anti-vaxers as the easy scapegoats). The bacteria seem to have evolved/mutated (whatever term fits the bill) in response to the vaccine program to become more virulent and to favor previously vaccinated hosts. On the bright side, the bacteria seems to adapt fairly slowly (this has been happening over decades) so if the companies who make the current vaccines decide to take it upon themselves to revamp them, then this issue should not arise again for quite a while.

SMH reported on some of the recent research back in March.

http://www.smh.com.au/national/healt...320-1vibp.html

I have a link to the studies if anyone's interested. It's dry reading, but provides a possible explanation for what's going on.

TiddlyPom

I'd been reading that the thing had mutated... I wonder why they do this in the first place? Does bacteria need to evolve to survive? Where's the drive to do this in the whole genetics of it?
Odd stuff.

After having this, I'd really recommend a vac against it... totally get why children die from it. It's pretty hideous.

NigelWaring

I'm in hospital at the moment for tests to determine what bug I've got, been here 14 days+. A few days ago they found antibodies to Whooping Cough, I thought great they've found it at last then my wife reminded me that we had vaccinations for it last year because were were travelling to an area where it was active.

There have been several reports in the media today that the current vaccine may not be as good as they thought, here's one link, there are many others:


http://www.skynews.com.au/health/article.aspx?id=778223

Cheetah7

Get well soon Nigel, thats a long time to be in hospital but at least you are in the best place.

lesleys

Things just evolve and mutations happen without a 'reason'. Good mutations (ie improve the fitness) tend to survive, bad ones tend not to. Look how many variations of flu there are around. I managed to get rubella twice by way of it mutating.

donna

Had it last year from Feb til July ,wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy,vomited numerous times day for at least 2 Months.horrible honestly felt so rough,inhaled by own vomit one night trying to get my breathe.hope u get better soon

TiddlyPom

OMG. Not good. Thanks Donna.

Get well soon Nigel ... that sounds rotten. Having the vaccination is no guarantee you won't get it. The vaccine itself is only about 58% effective anyway.

Alfresco

Get well soon Nigel.