I took my DS1 to the doctors last night. He has had a nasty cough, which ends up making him vomit (we've had 3 incidents to this extent since 1am yesterday, and some close calls in between). DS1 is not usually one to vomit - i can only think of 2 times in his almost 3 years. DS1 does not have a temperature, is still eating ok (he is not always the best eater anyway) and still has his 3 year old energy . The only thing that is concerning me is this cough, I can never describe coughs and of course he didn't need to cough while we were in the doctors room (but was coughing all around the waiting room - before and after....grr...ain't that always the way). But I think it is more of a chesty cough as I had said to the doctor (but still told him I wasn't sure as I can never diagnois coughs properly). My DH had suspected tonsilitis after a cough and vomit when he'd woken from a day sleep - so that is why I had taken him down to the doctors - as DS1 has had tonsilitis once or twice before - but throat was clear. His glands were a little up though.

So the doctor said from the description and looking at him (and eliminating everything else) that it could be whooping cough...even though he has had his immunisations. He said that it is still common that we/they can still get it. He has given us a referral to get a swab done (will organise today...as they were closed last night after doctors) and we will get the results on Friday. He gave us some antibotics to treat if it were whooping cough - and said even if it is not whooping cough the medicine will still help whatever virus it could be....so won't do no harm.

I really don't understand how the doctor was so quick to suspect it could be whooping cough - he has had his immunisations (though I know I have read - went googling of course that they can still get it even if immunised). I just don't know how the doctor had enough symptoms to suspect it and I couldn't help wonder if he some kinda kick back for prescribing these antibiotics and referring us to pathology for a swab (which will probably come with a fee). Of course I will take DS1 for the swab this morning and keep him home from child care and wait for the results to come in on Friday, but it will be interesting to see if it turns out to be or not to be whooping cough.

Has anyone else had any experience like this or with whooping cough? Was your child immunised?

Thanks in advance for reading and your advise.