What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious and highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis (a bacteria). Its attack on the lining of the airway leads to swelling and the production of thick mucus, which causes severe coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.

How does whooping cough spread?

An infected person will release tiny droplets into the air when they talk, cough, or sneeze, and these droplets can be directly inhaled by another person. The droplets can also land on surfaces that, when touched by another person, serve as another method of transmission. The asymptomatic early stage is the most contagious phase.

What are the symptoms?

Whooping cough has multiple stages:

Early Stage (1-2 weeks): This stage starts and feels like any common cold. The cough hasn’t yet developed its characteristic “whooping” sound, so it’s often not identified as whooping cough. Symptoms can include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever

Severe Coughing Stage (1-6 weeks, or longer): This is when the classic symptoms appear. The severity of the cough increases, and it’s often characterized by:

• Rapid, violent coughing fits: coughing many times in a row, making it hard to catch your breath.
• The "whoop": After a coughing fit, you gasp for air, making a high-pitched "whooping" sound. This "whoop" is more common in older children and tends to be absent in infants.
• Vomiting: The intense coughing can often lead to throwing up.
• Pauses in breathing (apnea): This is most commonly seen in young infants. They will stop breathing for a few seconds or have life-threatening pauses in breathing without any cough at all. Pauses in breathing can also occur during a coughing fit, which can present as having a “bluish face” (lack of oxygen).

Recovery Stage: The coughing fits gradually become less frequent and less severe, but it can still take weeks or even months to fully recover.

Who is most at risk?

While every age group is at risk of developing whooping cough, infants and young children are at the highest risk for serious infection and complications. They are more likely to be hospitalized and develop other infections, like pneumonia (lung infection) or other complications such as seizures or brain inflammation.

How can you prevent whooping cough?

The best way to protect yourself and others from whooping cough is through vaccination.

• Childhood vaccination (DTaP): Babies and young children receive the DTaP vaccine (which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) in a series of shots (2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12-18 months, and 4 years old).
• Adolescent and adult booster (Tdap): Protection from childhood vaccines can wear off over time, leaving adults vulnerable, and they can then unknowingly spread the infection to vulnerable infants. A single booster shot called Tdap is recommended for adolescents and adults who haven't had it before, especially those in close contact with babies and pregnant women.
• Pregnant women and Tdap vaccine: It's very important for pregnant women to get the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester. This helps pass protective antibodies to their baby before birth, offering crucial protection during the first few months of life when babies are most vulnerable.

You should also practice good hygiene, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading germs.

What to do if you think you have whooping cough?

If you or someone you know has symptoms of whooping cough, especially the severe coughing fits or the "whoop" sound, it's important to contact your healthcare provider.

Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough. If diagnosed early, antibiotics can stop the spread of the infection, though they do not actually prevent or treat the cough. Your healthcare provider might also recommend ways to manage symptoms, such as drinking plenty of fluids, using nasal sprays or a humidifier, resting, and avoiding things that irritate your airways.

Don't wait if you suspect whooping cough. Early action can make a big difference in how serious the illness becomes.