With the start of winter season, the cases of whooping cough – sometimes called the “100-day cough” – are on the rise in England and Wales. The number of cases has increased by roughly 230 per cent compared to last year, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show.
Authorities have advised the people to refrain from close contact during the Christmas season and practice elbow touching for greeting instead of kissing and hugging.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most likely reason for the current increase in the cough cases. According to the UKHSA, lockdown measures resulted in reduced immunity and a fall in vaccination rates due to disruptions caused to medical services according to euronews.
