6. Body Ache
Colds and flu are viral infections creating systemic inflammation in the body. Bordetella pertussis bacteria act in the same manner, increasing systemic inflammation.
During a viral or bacterial infection, the immune system responds to the emergency. It signals white blood cells to attack the source of the disease and kill invading cells. White blood cells leave their post in the skeletal and muscular system, and the entire body begins to ache. It’s common for people suffering from a bout of flu to feel this pulsing ache. Treatment involves anti-inflammatories and painkillers to contain and neutralize the sensation.
During whooping cough infection, the body will also suffer from lower oxygen levels in the blood. This loss occurs, as a result of extended bouts of coughing. A lack of oxygen leads to dysfunctional red blood cells and tissue. In turn, this creates body ache. Coughing attacks at night will interrupt sleep. The interruption affects the body’s recovery from stress. Losing sleep results in fatigue, another source of body ache.