What is the main goal of treatment for whooping cough?

The primary goal of treatment for whooping cough, or pertussis, is focused on symptom relief and decreasing transmission of the disease. While it is essential to address the bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, antibiotics have a limited effect once the cough has established. Therefore, the treatment strategy typically emphasizes alleviating the severe coughing fits that characterize whooping cough and preventing the further spread of the infection to others.

By successfully managing symptoms and minimizing the risk of transmission, healthcare providers aim to improve the patient's comfort and reduce the overall incidence of the disease within the community. Furthermore, supportive care may involve hydration, cough management, and, in some cases, the use of steroids to help ease inflammation in the airways.

The other options relate to important aspects of managing whooping cough, like preventing complications and achieving long-term immunity through vaccination, but the immediate focus during treatment is on symptom relief and decreasing the likelihood of spreading the infection.