In the first quarter of this year, five babies died of whooping cough in England, which is a pretty shocking statistic to hear in 2024. According to recorded numbers, between January and March 2024 there were 2,793 cases of whooping cough in England. This is a stark comparison to the total number of 858 cases in England in all of 2023. But why is whooping cough back?

As whooping cough remains a significant public health concern, what symptoms should you look for, how is it treated, and why are cases so high in 2024?

What is whooping cough?

Also called pertussis or the ‘100-day cough’, whooping cough is a bacterial infection which affects the lungs and breathing tubes.

Thorrun Govind, TV pharmacist and health expert says, “Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs by those nearby. It is highly contagious, given how easily it is spread.”

Understanding symptoms and treatments

The early signs are similar to a cold and may include a sore throat and a runny nose. However, after about a week, it can develop into coughing bouts, often worse at night and lasting for a few minutes. It is more dangerous in babies and young children as they may have difficulty breathing, leading to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks.

Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP, says whooping cough causes repeated coughing bouts that can last for two to three months or more. And can make babies and young children very ill.

…watch out for symptoms similar to a cold, and a high temperature is uncommon. “After about a week, coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night are likely…”

Govind explains that parents should watch out for symptoms similar to a cold, and a high temperature is uncommon. “After about a week, coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night are likely. Those affected may make a ‘whoop’ sound, which is a gasp for breath between coughs. However, young babies and some adults may not whoop in this manner.”

In severe cases, Govind explains that individuals with whooping cough, particularly young infants, can have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout. And may turn blue or grey. Babies under six months have an increased chance of dehydration, breathing difficulties, pneumonia and seizures.

…avoid cough medicines, as they won’t work.

NHS guidelines confirm that whooping cough treatment will depend on your age and how long you’ve had the infection. Antibiotics may be given if the cough is diagnosed within three weeks to prevent it from spreading. And hospital treatment may be required for babies under six months old.

They suggest plenty of rest and fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for those 16 and over. Also, avoid cough medicines, as they won’t work.

Why are cases so high?

Whooping cough tends to peak every few years. It’s also been impacted by the COVID pandemic and reduced immunity. According to the UK government, the last cyclical increase occurred in 2016.

Patel explains that “Whooping cough is a disease that regularly peaks every three to five years. We are, unfortunately, seeing increasing rates of whooping cough at present. This follows a prolonged period of very low case numbers due to restrictions and reduced social mixing patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Vaccination uptake has decreased

In the UK, the whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine for babies at eight, 12, and 16 weeks. And also as part of the 4-in-1 preschool boosters for children aged three years and four months.

Vaccinations can also be given to pregnant women, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks. The maternal pertussis vaccination was introduced in 2012. Since then, there have been 26 deaths in infants, and 21 of the mothers of these babies were not vaccinated in pregnancy.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) confirms that vaccine uptake in pregnant women has declined by about 15 per cent since 2016/7. This is especially prevalent in some areas of London, where only 25 per cent of pregnant women have had the vaccination. They added that the vaccine uptake for children has also reduced in the last decade. And confirmed the vaccination is safe and effective.

The RCPCH says, “Although an unpleasant disease at any age, it’s most serious in very young babies. As the routine vaccine schedule for England starts at 8 weeks with doses at 12 and 26 weeks, this is too late to give babies protection in the early, crucial months.”

Sarah Haselwood

Sarah Haselwood is a freelance writer and journalist, who is passionate about travel, health and wellness, and HR topics. She dabbles in creative writing and is trying to write a novel.

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We’re all feeling a bit mad after the pandemic, aren’t we? It feels like everything has changed, but nothing has changed at the same time. If you’re not feeling ‘quite right’, don’t worry. You’re not the only one. But are you burnt out after the pandemic, or finding other mental health issues rearing their heads?

Lockdown was amazing for some people. I’ve seen friends – normally under massive pressure in busy offices, slogging through a daily commute – thrive in lockdown, working at home. Free from the shackles of their nine-to-five, they had the time to do yoga, plan good nutritious food. And have a productive, uninterrupted working day, followed by self-care activities and hobbies in the evening. 

And for many of those furloughed, it was just as positive. With time at home, spent with children, family, pets. Just time to breathe, and engage in enriching activities like writing, crafts, or sunbathing. Time spent living, not working. Complete bliss.

Coming up to retirement? Here’s how to avoid the downsides of retirement

Not everyone had a great lockdown though

However, we can’t ignore that this wasn’t the case for everyone. A third of adults reported smoking more and drinking more to cope with their mental decline during lockdowns. 

Many struggled with the lack of social connection, particularly those living alone. We had to cope with the loneliness of missing close friends and family for months at a time. 

Now it’s been over a year since Covid restrictions were lifted, and almost eight months since the need to legally self-isolate was removed. 

But it certainly hasn’t been an overnight return to ‘normal’. And reactions have been mixed: some glad to be reunited with an abundance of human connection. While others have been missing the freedoms of time that came with lockdowns. 

So, how has our mental wellbeing been impacted in the post-pandemic world? 

Making sense of post-pandemic life

We spoke to psychologist Gabrielle Treanor to try and make sense of what she’s called the ‘post-pandemic emergence’. 

Treanor discusses how throughout the pandemic, the majority of us were in a state of permanent survival. This was a time categorised by anxiety and fear. We were always on our toes, worried about paying bills, our health, the health of loved ones, death, and loneliness. 

In the post-pandemic shift, we’ve come out of some of that anxiety surrounding coronavirus. However, we’ve been thrown straight into new fears. The war in Ukraine, adapting to a Brexit society, and even the emergence of Monkey Pox. 

Psychologist Gabrielle Treanor (Image: gabrielletreanor.com)

Our energy stores have been heavily depleted, Treanor says. Now we have no resources to fall back on when facing these new threats. Many of us are simply burnt out.

Treanor explains that a lot of the time during the pandemic, we felt we weren’t thinking straight, often distracted and tired from overthinking situations, or from simply having nothing else to do but think all day, stuck in the house. 

we have no resources to fall back on when facing these new threats. Many of us are simply burnt out.

Although our freedom of movement has returned, largely, we are still coping with the effects of such a massive change in lifestyle, and many people are struggling to re-adapt.

How can we learn to adapt again?

Decision making

From being stuck in the house for months on end, we’ve learnt not to make rash decisions. After having had the time to slow down, many of us were able to take a step back and consider our lives and decisions. Remembering this in post-pandemic life can serve us by taking time when it comes to making big choices. 

Valuing what matters

We’ve learnt to pare things back, and focus on the things that really matter to us. Whether that’s spending quality time with family, or seeing friends that you don’t speak to enough, or making time for ourselves, we need to hold on to that. We have a better grasp on what we value as individuals, and should remember that going forward. 

Resources

Put some time into rebuilding your resources. When we become emotionally and mentally exhausted from overthinking, anxieties, and uncertainty, our resources deplete. Take time to recoup when you feel burnt out. 

Creating space in which you can recover is vital to rebuilding your emotional resources. Find a safe environment, where you feel free from responsibilities, like work. Relax and do what you enjoy. Spending time in nature is also a sure way to reduce stress and benefit your wellbeing.

Staying ‘mentally healthy’

In such turbulent times it’s important to maintain your mental health, so here are our tips to be as ‘mentally healthy’ as you can. 

• Focus on your hobbies – make sure to dedicate time to doing the things you love. Working on crafts, sport, playing an instrument, or reading.
• Keep track of tasks – keep a database of your tasks and break them down, so that you can see them clearly and it doesn’t take up unnecessary mental resources thinking and planning in your mind.
• Connect with loved ones – after so long of not being able to socialise, reaching out and spending time with friends can feel quite stilted.
• Reach out for professional help – If you’re struggling, here are some links for further help,

Mind, Anxiety UK, Mental health.gov – where to find resources. 

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

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It has been said that friends are the family you choose, but lockdown has affected many friendships. For many it’s been make or break.

Friendships provide us with reliable alliance, support, validation, and emotional security. They’re highly significant in our lives, contributing more to our wellbeing than we might realise. Keeping them going during lockdown, however, has not been without its challenges.

Friends may fill different roles, so it makes sense to have several, rather than placing high expectations on just one. But what happens when you can’t see them?

How did your friendships hold up in lockdown?

A Nuffield Report Covid 19 Social Study, just published by University College London, indicates that relationships during lockdown often changed. 12% of respondents had experienced a relationship breakdown – although the study did not define what type of relationship that might be. This happened more with younger people (21%) than with those over 60 (5%).

…people who are more vulnerable … are more likely to report worsening friendships and relationships during lockdown.

Looking at this from a different angle, however, it is reassuring that the majority continued to maintain their relationships, with approximately one in five saying that these had got better, especially with neighbours.

Cheryl Lloyd at the Nuffield Foundation said, “This research shows that relationships with neighbours have improved since the COVID-19 crisis, especially for 30–59-year-olds.” While this suggests a resurgence in community spirit, it is cause for concern that the survey also says that “people who are more vulnerable … are more likely to report worsening friendships and relationships during lockdown.” There was a particular concern raised for those who were unable to see people outside the home – friendships need regular communication to thrive.

Several of my own acquaintances reported that, despite not being able to meet face to face, relationships have in many ways become closer, though that has taken more thought and effort. Remembering to call people regularly, sending greeting cards, and, where possible, suggest socially distanced walks, has been the mainstay of these friendships.

In some ways it has been easier to contact people, because they are more likely to be at home, although there is always the risk that you interrupt working hours. Understanding that someone is ‘at work’ although they’re actually at home can be hard to remember.

…socially distanced meetings at the front door or garden gate are better for mental health than a zoom call that ends in renewed silence and isolation.

Some extended family members have been roped in to support home-schooling, so time for friends has been replaced by increased family commitments. One of the findings of a recent Mori poll is that many report improved family-child relationships, as there is more time with each other and less work-home conflict.

Virtual contact, although acknowledged as a valuable tool for connection, has not been without its downside. Some older people reported that it increased a sense of loneliness, especially when coupled with the stress of learning how to manage technology. It would seem that socially distanced meetings at the front door or garden gate are better for mental health than a zoom call that ends in renewed silence and isolation.

The lack of touch has also been hard for many. Safe physical contact promotes oxytocin, the feel-good hormone and a 25 second hug is enough for a significant wellbeing boost. Should we need to lockdown again it is worth considering who might be in your ‘cuddle bubble’.

One other person is all you need – even a pet! Pet hugs definitely count.

Not all friendships are the same

A useful metaphor about friendship is that it is like holding a piece of precious porcelain in the palm of your hand. If you hold it too tightly you will crush it, if you hold it too lightly it may slip through your fingers. Finding that balance is not always easy, and possibly requires more emotional literacy than first appears. Friendships are mutual, so, as in a romantic relationship, both partners need awareness of give and take.

Some friendships are transient, others are life-long over time and distance. Some are deep, others more casual.  Research by Sandstrom and Dunn says that daily interactions with those who may be classified as ‘weak ties’ promote both connection and feelings of happiness. We don’t always need deep and meaningful.

Friendships in lockdown have often been conducted over the phone or internet. Whatever the parameters, some things are likely to be critical for maintaining healthy interactions, whether that is in real time or on virtual platforms.

Friendship and finding the right balance

It is likely that one person may require more help and support than the other at any one time. In a strong alliance this is perfectly acceptable. It becomes less so however, if this becomes a consistent pattern. This can stoke resentment over time. And the result that the friendship ceases to be healthy.

Being tuned into what matters for your friend shows them that they matter to you

In a balanced interaction each person shows an interest in the welfare and activities of the other, asking questions that demonstrate that concern. Even better is remembering the content of the last conversation and asking for follow-up information. Being tuned into what matters for your friend shows them that they matter to you. If your memory doesn’t serve you that well just take up a position of curiosity and ask open-ended questions.

A wonderful 94-year-old – initially a friend of my mother’s and now a friend of mine – lives alone and has this skill finely honed. She says nothing much happens in her life, so she lives vicariously through others. You feel she really wants to know what is going on for you, and is consequently a joy to be with. She is my role model, should I ever get to that fine age!

How do you respond to your friends’ good news?

A study by Shelly Gable and colleagues explores how one person responds when the other shares good news about themselves, such as a promotion or winning a prize. There are four options: no interest, such as “oh yeh – what’s for dinner?”; a positive but passive response, as in “oh, that’s good”; a negative retort pointing out all the downsides (or talking immediately about what is happening for them); or a positive, constructive response, conveying genuine enthusiasm and giving credit for the good news. Such as “hey, wow, that’s great, you deserve this”.

The research shows that active constructive responding contributes significantly to the likelihood of a continuing relationship. We may see ourselves primarily as being there for each other in times of trouble, but it is just as important, perhaps even more so, that we are there in times of celebration and show how pleased we are for our friend, however envious we might feel.

How to actually listen so your friend feels heard

The pandemic has had its claws into the most resilient of us. Even if we have not been ill, many have struggled with grief, loss, stress, and anxiety. Friends may be the only real resource for comfort and understanding. But many of us often don’t know how best to respond to someone in crisis.

Ask an open question, together with a caring statement, such as, “you sound at your wits’ end / pretty miserable / what’s going on?” If your friend says they are ‘fine’, just ask again – “no, really, tell me”.

Some people are not comfortable talking about problems or the way they feel, especially men. They need to know it’s OK, you won’t think the worse of them, and that you will keep confidences. Then show you are listening, by giving comments such as, “go on / that’s tough / so sorry to hear this.”

Try to avoid ‘fixing’. Acknowledging how someone is feeling and that their concerns are real for them is validating and helpful. We may see ourselves as a kind person and therefore want to help. But this may lead us to quickly make suggestions and advice about what best to do. Just staying with the emotion that someone is expressing makes them feel their distress is being heard, and is much more useful. It’s easy to say, “If I were you …” – but you are not them. Be a listener, not a problem-solver.

Reconnecting with faltering friendships

Although some friendships during Covid may have become closer, others have faltered, or even failed. Not every friendship is for life, some are situation or time specific, and you may decide that a particular relationship has run its course and have little incentive to revive it. But other friends may be more significant, and you want to reconnect.

In the first instance it is probably best to send a brief but warm message. On-line cards saying ‘Just Thinking of You’, or posting a real card saying, “Saw this and thought of you; wondering how you are”, are gentle reminders of past good times. You could then follow that up with a text saying you were thinking of calling and suggesting a time. If the person is local you could then suggest meeting up on neutral ground, maybe for a coffee.

If they are willing take it from there, a good plan is to show interest in everything that has happened for them since you last spoke. Give them motivation to re-connect with you. It is of course possible that you are now well and truly off their Christmas card list yourself! A rejection always hurts, but unless you are aware of something you need to apologise for, try not to take this too personally. Their life may have simply moved on. Focus on those who really do want to be friends with you.

Building positive communities

Having strong, supportive relationships in our lives is the most significant factor for individual wellbeing; beyond wealth, health, or social status. But friendship is on a wide continuum. From those in our more intimate circle such as family and close friends, to those in our wider circle. Such as colleagues, neighbours, and others in the community, or further afield.

Pulling together in times of crisis is often the upside of disaster

There was a groundswell of community connection in lockdown. Friendliness is good for communities, and ultimately the world we live in. People not only came out of their houses and leaned out of their windows to applaud or bash saucepans to show appreciation of the NHS and keyworkers. There was also an increase in acts of kindness, where neighbours checked in on each other.

Pulling together in times of crisis is often the upside of disaster and a feature of post-traumatic growth. When the chips are down, most people care and contribute. We need each other.

Getting to know someone is the first step towards breaking down barriers and ultimately friendship. Street parties, community gardens, school fairs, even watching the game with others in the pub, are now possible as we move into a post-pandemic life. Not everyone will become the best of mates of course. But friendliness towards each other makes a big difference to how we feel about where we live. It doesn’t need to be anything that takes planning over time. It can be spontaneous and an ‘in the moment’ gesture.

A couple of weeks ago my one-year-old granddaughter lost her beloved ‘Monkey’ in the local park. She is too young to express any feelings about this. But was undoubtedly very excited when she caught sight of it a week later, hanging on a doorknob in the local high street. The monkey had this sign pinned on it:

“I MISS MY CHILD: Found on roof in some weird water so dad/mum might wanna wash me first before I can go back to give hugs”

This is a beautiful example of community friendship and kindness – someone taking the time and trouble to think of others. A note of heartfelt thanks was pinned back to the same doorknob.

Random acts of kindness do not just benefit the recipient, they also boost the wellbeing of the giver. The science suggests that kindness is also contagious and can be taught as well as caught.

International Day of Friendship

If we want our children and grandchildren to live in a world where people reach out with friendship rather than abuse, taking action now matters. We saw this recently in the warm, positive messages that were left fon the defaced mural of Marcus Rashford. These young men have become role models for the next generation. They show that care and kindness are not soft options, but the basis of a happier and fairer world.

Most people want love rather than hate in their lives, so perhaps it is time for those positive voices to be louder, and for children to learn the skills and attitudes that enable them to value each other and build healthy relationships, not only in their immediate world but across cultures.

Ten years ago, the United Nations declared Friday 30th July as International Friendship Day. The idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges.

This is an annual event now, placing emphasis on involving young people in community activities with different cultures. It promotes international understanding and respect for diversity. The next generation will become future parents, workers, and leaders. What happens now will determine the relationships they have, and the decisions they make for that future.

But young people need the adults in their lives to provide them with opportunities, support, encouragement. They need positive role models to create that better world. It is up to all of us.

It is time for a post pandemic re-set. Let’s put friendship at the top of the agenda.

Sue Roffey is co-author of Creating the World We Want to Live In: How Positive Psychology Can Build a Brighter Future, (2021, Routledge)

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