The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging parents and carers to learn the difference between whooping cough and croup, two winter conditions that can sound similar but require different treatment. Both conditions mainly affect children and can often need very different types of treatment to help them recover more quickly.
The agency's X account asked parents whether they would recognise the differences and know the warning signs, noting that whooping cough and croup "can sound different from the usual winter coughs."
What the UKHSA said
The UKHSA post said: "Whooping cough and croup can sound different from the usual winter coughs. Would you recognise them?"
"The best way to protect your child is to keep their vaccinations up to date. Vaccination helps protect against whooping cough and some of the viruses that can cause croup," the post added.
How to tell the difference
The NHS says croup is a common condition "that mainly affects babies and young children." Although cases are usually mild, it is important to call NHS 111 or see a GP if you think your child has croup because they may need treatment.
The tell-tale sign of croup is a harsh, barking cough that often sounds like a seal, sometimes accompanied by a high-pitched whistling or squeaky sound when breathing in and a raspy voice. These symptoms are "often worse at night," according to the NHS.
Whooping cough, an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes, may be the cause if symptoms appear more uncontrollable, with violent coughing fits. Children will often follow this with a deep, gasping, high-pitched "whoop" as the person desperately tries to inhale.
Treatment and prevention
Both croup and whooping cough have effective treatments, though whooping cough is much easier to prevent through routine vaccines. Because croup is caused by a virus and whooping cough by bacteria, they are managed differently.
A doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help stop the whooping cough infection from spreading. Croup often gets better on its own within a few days, but can be helped by an oral steroid (such as dexamethasone) to quickly reduce swelling in the windpipe.
The best prevention is vaccination. The 6-in-1 vaccine, given to babies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster provide strong protection. Pregnant women are also offered a vaccine, usually around 16 to 32 weeks, to pass immunity on to their newborn before the child is old enough for their own jabs.
Seek immediate medical care or call 999 if anyone with a cough is struggling to breathe, has skin or lips turning blue, grey, or pale, becomes unusually floppy or hard to wake, or has pauses in breathing.
