Norwegian woman advocates for whooping cough vaccination after severe illness in Drammen

Henriette Borchgrevink from Drammen is struggling with a severe case of whooping cough, having been infected in early June. Despite her efforts to manage the illness, she still experiences intense coughing fits that leave her gasping for breath. “I cough until I can’t breathe anymore,” she explains, describing the terrifying moments when she feels she might pass out or even vomit.

The situation has persisted for over 70 days, leading to sleepless nights and feelings of dread. Henriette recalls a particularly alarming incident when she felt certain she would die, prompting her to call emergency services. “It sounds silly, but I truly couldn’t breathe,” she shares.

Henriette is not alone; thousands of Norwegians contract whooping cough each year. Norway is experiencing a significant rise in cases, mirroring trends seen across Europe. Health authorities report 3,814 new cases this year, the highest in over a decade, with 1,645 confirmed in July and August alone.

Einar Sagberg, a public health physician, notes that the incidence of whooping cough plummeted during the pandemic, possibly leaving many more vulnerable now. He urges anyone exhibiting symptoms to get tested, emphasizing the importance of early treatment with antibiotics.

The illness has also affected Henriette’s husband and daughter, though they experienced milder symptoms due to early intervention with antibiotics. The family has faced dramatic challenges, with Henriette requiring emergency care during severe coughing episodes.

With recovery underway after more than two months, Henriette advocates for vaccination against whooping cough, noting the misconception that it primarily affects children. She urges everyone, especially adults overdue for their booster shots, to get vaccinated to avoid experiencing this debilitating illness.