WHOOPING Cough, a bacterial infection many will mistake for cold or flu symptoms, has recorded its first case in Warrington this winter, so here’s everything you need to know about the ‘100-day cough’.

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection which has seen a surge in cases this year, with the NHS advising pregnant woman to get vaccinated. Pregnant woman received this advice to prevent them passing on whooping cough to their newborn babies.

An interactive map shows the areas across the UK which have been hit hardest, with health officials recording 1,141 cases this year – a 26 per cent increase over the past two years combined.

While only one case is recorded in Warrington, nearby areas such as Wirral have as many as 35 people in the local authority to have caught the infection.

The first signs of whooping cough can easily be mistaken for cold symptoms, with a runny nose, sore throat, or in some rare cases a high temperature.

After a week however, a whooping cough will progress to nasty minutes long coughing fits which worsen at night.

You may also make a ‘whoop’ sound between breaths, though young babies and some adults may not.

Other symptoms include a difficulty breathing, and commonly adults will go red in the face.

Whilst the initial symptoms are annoying if not dangerous, whooping cough has the potential to be more serious.

Firstly, it is known as the ‘100 day cough’ as the symptoms can last for over three months. These symptoms, however, can be far more serious.

The NHS have warned that anyone or their child which the following applies to urgently contact 111 or make an emergency GP appointment:

  • your baby is under 6 months old and has symptoms of whooping cough
  • you or your child have a very bad cough that is getting worse
  • you've been in contact with someone with whooping cough and you're pregnant
  • you or your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough and have a weakened immune system

Whooping cough can also be spread very easily, with the NHS recommending you call the GP before you go in. The GP may suggest talking over the phone for safety.