Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a lung and airway infection caused by a type of bacteria. The CDC maintains vaccination guidelines as a preventative measure against the spread of the illness.
Risk for severe illness depends on age and health history. Babies under one year old have the highest risk for serious breathing problems.
Symptoms:
Symptoms usually show up 5 to 10 days after a person is exposed. Because early signs look like a common cold, a diagnosis may not be made until more serious coughing begins.
Early Symptoms (Weeks 1–2):
- Runny or stuffed-up nose
- Low-grade fever (under 100.4°F)
- A mild, occasional cough
Later Symptoms (Weeks 2 and after): Coughing fits become common and can last for 10 weeks or more. These fits often get worse as the illness goes on and can lead to:
- A high-pitched "whoop" sound when breathing in after a cough. Listen to the sound here.
- Throwing up during or after coughing.
- Feeling very tired.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Cracked ribs or major breathing struggles.
Symptoms in Babies: Many babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may have "apnea," which is a dangerous pause in breathing. This can cause the skin to turn blue or make it look like the baby is struggling to breathe.
When to Seek Care: Contact a doctor for cases of violent coughing. Seek emergency medical help immediately for any trouble breathing.
How it Spreads:
The bacteria spread easily through the air from person to person. An infected person can spread the illness from the time symptoms start until about two weeks after the coughing begins. People with mild symptoms can still spread the bacteria to others.
Taking antibiotics early may shorten the time a person is contagious. Immunization is available as a preventative measure against the development of whooping cough.
Teasting and Treatment:
Testing is available through a health care provider or the health department. Starting treatment early, before the heavy coughing begins, is very important. If a person has been near someone with whooping cough or has symptoms, they should contact a health care provider or the health department to talk about testing.
Care at Home: Health care providers usually treat whooping cough with antibiotics. While most people recover at home, the following steps are helpful:
- Finish Medicine: Take all antibiotics exactly as the doctor says.
- Clean Air: Keep the home free of triggers like smoke, dust, and strong fumes.
- Mist: Use a clean, cool-mist humidifier to help loosen mucus.
- Food and Water: Eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids like water and juice.
Cough Medicine: The CDC states that cough syrups and medicines usually do not help and should not be used unless a health care provider specifically suggests them.
Prevention and Immunization:
Immunization is available as a preventative measure against the development of whooping cough. The CDC has established schedules for different age groups using two-types of vaccines:
- DTaP: For infants and young children.
- Tdap: For older children and adults.
Medicine After Exposure: Sometimes, antibiotics are given to people who have been near someone with whooping cough to help keep them from getting sick. This is called "PEP." If a person knows they have been exposed, they should contact a health care provider or the health department to see if this medicine is needed.