Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone.

Age and underlying medical conditions can increase someone's risk for getting a severe case of whooping cough. Babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from whooping cough.

Watch this video to hear the sound of whooping cough: https://youtu.be/DB70izafC1Y. 

Symptoms

It usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough. Symptoms may take up to three weeks to develop.

Whooping cough symptoms are similar to a common cold's symptoms early on. Healthcare providers often don't suspect or diagnose it until more severe symptoms appear.

Whooping Cough in Infants:

Many babies with whooping cough don't cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). The apnea may cause cyanosis (to turn blue) or they may struggle to breathe.

For some babies, whooping cough may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just at the beginning.

Early Symptoms: First 1 - 2 weeks of illness

Early whooping cough symptions are similar to common cold symptoms and may include:

  • Runny or stuffed-up nose
  • Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
  • Mild, occasional cough

Later Symptoms: 1 - 2 weeks after initial symptom onset

Coughing fits known as paroxysms are common.These fits may last up to ten weeks, but one to six weeks is most common. Coughing usually worsens throughout the illness. 

Coughing fits can cause people to:

  • Make a high-pitched "whoop" when they inhale after a coughing fit
  • Vomit during or after coughing fits
  • Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
  • Have difficulty sleeping at night
  • Struggle to breathe
  • Fracture (break) a rib

See a healthcare provider if you or your child are coughing violently. Seek immediate care for breathing difficulties.

Watch this video to hear the sound of whooping cough: https://youtu.be/DB70izafC1Y. 

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This bacteria can spread easily form person to person through the air.

Infected individuals can be contageous from the onset of symptoms and up to two weeks after coughing begings. It is possible for an individual with mild, or no symptopms to transmit the bacteria to others. 

Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone's contagious. The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. 

A person can be tested for whooping cough by a healthcare provider. It's important to treat whooping cough early. Treatment should occur before coughing fits begin. See your healthcare provider if you have been exposed to whooping cough, have symptoms, health concerns or for testing. 

Healthcare providers generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics.

Early Medical Treatment Can:

  • Make the illness less serious
  • Help prevent spreading the bacteria that cause it to others

Most people with whooping cough can manage their symptoms at home.

  • Take antibiotics as prescribed.
  • Keep your home free from things that cause coughing like smoke, dust and chemical fumes.
  • Use a clean, cool mist humidifier to loosen mucus and soothe the cough.
  • Eat small meals every few hours to help prevent vomiting.
  • Get plenty of fluids, including water, juices, and fruits.

The CDC does not recommend taking cough medicine unless your healthcare provider recommends it. 

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends the whooping cough vaccination for everyone.

The CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause many respiratory illnesses including whooping cough.

Preventive antibiotics, postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis, (PEP) are medicines given to someone who has been exposed to harmful bacteria to help prevent them from getting sick. Some people should receive antibiotics to prevent illness if they have been around someone with whooping cough. If you've been exposed to someone with whooping cough, talk to a healthcare provider.

The CDC recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages.

There are 2 types of combination vaccines that include protection against whooping cough:

The Health Department and Teen Health locations offer whooping cough vaccinations.

Call for an appointment, (810) 987-5300 (option 3).