Dr Mattias Larsson*

Thảo, a 9-year-old girl, was energetic and loved sports. However, over the past month, she developed a persistent cough that gradually worsened, along with chest pain. Her mother took her to a local doctor, who diagnosed a respiratory infection and prescribed antibiotics. Despite this Thảo’s symptoms continued and worsened. Her cough became severe, with a distinct 'whooping' sound, vomiting and exhaustion.

Her parents, hearing about the quality paediatric care at Family Medical Practice (FMP), brought Thảo there. After explaining her symptoms and duration of illness, the paediatrician examined Thảo and, given the prolonged and worsening symptoms, recommended a PCR test for a quick and accurate diagnosis.

Within two hours, the PCR results confirmed Thảo had Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Thảo asked if whooping cough was dangerous. The paediatrician explained that while it can be severe, especially for unvaccinated infants who may develop complications like pneumonia or convulsions, Thảo's case was less severe due to her vaccination history.

The paediatrician said that Pertussis spreads through coughing and sneezing, so Thảo should avoid close contact for at least five days after starting treatment. They should also inform the school and all close contacts to monitor for symptoms and seek testing if a cough developed.

Thảo’s parents confirmed she had received all required childhood vaccinations, including the DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) vaccine. The doctor explained that while vaccine protection wanes over 4-12 years, Thảo’s prior vaccination likely reduced the severity of her illness.

The doctor stressed the importance of the DPT vaccine, available in combinations like Hexaxim (6-in-1) or Tetraxim for older children, in preventing Pertussis and other diseases. He also highlighted that pregnant women vaccinated against Pertussis can protect their newborns through antibody transfer.

Thảo was relieved to have a clear diagnosis and treatment. She was also grateful for her prior vaccination, which prevented her illness from becoming more severe. Family Medical Practice 

*Dr Mattias Larsson is a paediatric doctor at FMP Hanoi and associate professor at Karolinska Institutet and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Việt Nam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German, and some Spanish.

FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centres in major cities including HCM City, Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centres and emergency ambulance services. 

Visit FMP Hanoi 24/7 at 298I P. Kim Mã St, Kim Mã Ward, Ba Đình Dist. 

To book an appointment, please call (024).3843.0748, chat via Whatsapp, Viber or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email hanoi@vietnammedicalpractice.com.