Gastroenteritis and Pertussis: contrasting and comparing two infectious diseases

Both pertussis and gastroenteritis are communicable diseases that can spread from one host to another (Lee and Bishop 2010, p. 153) and have severe implications for young children (Steiner and Guerrant 2009, p. 1335; Long and Edwards 2009, p. 859) and the elderly who are at risk of developing complications (Gould 2009, p. 117; Long 2011, p.448). Therefore, prevention of these diseases is paramount (Spratling and Carmon 2010, p. 243). This essay, by comparing and contrasting gastroenteritis and pertussis (whooping cough) offers health care workers (HCWs) an insight into the similarities and differences between these two diseases. A description of the diseases emphasizing clinical manifestations, incidence and occurrence, transmission and the risk to HCWs is discussed, as well as the management of the spread of these diseases within the community and the health care setting.