Health Messages

Whooping Cough

South Melbourne Primary School has had a confirmed case of Whooping Cough in the senior school. The students infected were treated at home and have followed the health advice received by medical professionals.

What is whooping cough (pertussis)?

• Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis. 
• The major symptom of whooping cough is the characteristic cough which is often followed by a ‘whooping’ sound (which is not always obvious) when breathing in. Cold like symptoms often precede the cough, and vomiting after coughing is common.
• Whooping cough is spread by airborne droplets (when the infected person coughs or sneezes). A person is infectious for the first 21 days of their cough or until they have completed an appropriate course of antibiotics. However, the cough may persist for up to 3 months, despite antibiotic treatment.

Is whooping cough preventable?

• Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease, and the vaccine is provided at no cost under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Under the NIP, vaccination is recommended for children at 2,4,6, and 18 months and 4 years of age. Adolescents in Year 7 (or age equivalent) are also eligible for a booster.
• Adults who have not had a dose in the last 10 years are recommended to have boosters. Routine boosters are recommended for certain adult cohorts and includes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, healthcare workers, earlier childhood educators and carer and people in close contact with infants.
• Pertussis-containing vaccines protect against severe and typical pertussis. Immunity after receiving a pertussis-containing vaccine does wane over time.
• It is important for individuals to keep up to date with their vaccinations, including boosters.

What should schools do if there are reported cases of whooping cough among students and staff?

• As per the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations, the minimum period of exclusion from primary schools for children diagnosed with whooping cough is 21 days after the onset of cough or until they have completed 5 days of a course of antibiotic treatment.
• Contacts aged less than 7 years in the same classroom as the case who have not received three doses of pertussis vaccine should be excluded for 14 days after the last exposure to the infectious case, or until they have taken 5 days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment.

Please advise the Office staff and your class teacher in writing or by calling the office if your child has been diagnosed with Whooping Cough and keep them home for the exclusion period advised above.

Thunderstorm Asthma – Be Prepared this Pollen Season

Grass pollen season (October to December) brings a rise in asthma and hay fever symptoms, along with the risk of thunderstorm asthma. This can be sudden and serious, especially for people with asthma or hay fever.

At SMPS, all staff are trained in asthma first aid. We’ll monitor thunderstorm warnings and keep students indoors when necessary to reduce risk.

Here’s how you can help protect your child:

• If your child has asthma: Speak with your doctor to update their asthma action plan and ensure they are taking any preventers as prescribed.
• If your child has hay fever: Visit a pharmacist or doctor for a treatment plan. Check if your child needs an asthma reliever puffer, even if they don’t have asthma.
• During thunderstorms: Keep your child indoors, especially during windy periods before a storm. Close windows and doors, and set air conditioning to ‘recirculate.’

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel or consult your doctor.

Protecting Your Family from Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Warm, wet weather can lead to more mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases they carry. Though the overall risk is low, it’s important to protect your family from mosquito bites.

Here’s how you can reduce the risk:

• Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing.
• Use insect repellent containing picaridin or DEET on exposed skin.
• Limit outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.

Concerned? If you have health concerns, contact your doctor or call NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 606 024), available 24/7.

Free Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine - Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes. Free vaccines are available for people living or working in high-risk areas. Visit the Victorian Department of Health’s website for more information.

Learn More: Visit the Better Health Channel for tips on protecting your family and reducing mosquito breeding around your home.