"UK Health Officials Warn of Highly Contagious 100-Day Cough Outbreak"

Brits are being advised to practice social distancing this Christmas by "elbow bumping" instead of hugging relatives, as cases of whooping cough have risen by 250% compared to last year. Data from the UK Health Security Agency revealed over 1,100 suspected cases in England and Wales, more than double the number from the same period in 2022. Experts suggest that missed vaccination appointments during the pandemic and the decline in public health measures like mask-wearing and hand hygiene may have contributed to the increase. Pregnant women are urged to get the whooping cough vaccine, as severe disease can be prevented if the mother is vaccinated and passes on protective antibodies to the baby.