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Pertussis in exposed symptomatic child

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Teaching point — how the wording changes the answer

An unvaccinated, exposed and symptomatic infant whose twins have pertussis should be swabbed AND started immediately on empirical macrolide (azithromycin) without waiting for results. Isolation is futile once exposed and symptomatic; a no-treatment waiver is unethical and the case must be notified.

Q49 Anti-vaccine parents; twins have pertussis; 1-year-old with a slight cough. Management?
Key clue Exposed + symptomatic = swab and empirical azithromycin now
Show answer
Swab and start empirical azithromycin