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Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

What is Pertussis Disease (Whooping Cough)?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacteria respiratory disease.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing, often making breathing hard.
After coughing fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which results in a "whooping" sound.
Pertussis can affect people of all ages but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease and can affect up to 80% of household contacts.

Symptoms of pertussis usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure but may not develop for as long as 3 weeks.
In the first week or two, early symptoms may include:
--Subtle onset of runny nose.
--Low-grade fever.
--Sneezing.
--Mild, occasional cough.
--Apnea or stop breathing when asleep.
After 1 to 2 weeks, symptoms may include:
--Fits of many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound.
--Throwing up during or after coughing fits.
--Very tired after coughing fits.

Pertussis is spread from person to person.
--Coughing and sneezing.
--Spend much time near one another and share breathing space.
--Some babies get pertussis from older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease.
The best prevention for pertussis is the vaccine, but no vaccine is 100% effective.

There are 2 vaccines that protect against pertussis. DTaP for children up to 6 years of age and Tdap for people 7 years of age and older.
People who have not been vaccinated and are in contact with a baby.
Babies beginning at 2 months of age, followed by a total of five doses through age 4-6 years.
Adolescents aged 11 through 18 years should receive a single Tdap.
Adults aged 19 through 64 years should receive a single Tdap.
Pregnant women should receive a Tdap for each pregnancy.
Anyone who has not received the full five doses of pertussis vaccine.
Either if you are exposed to pertussis and/or have the disease, you should still receive a vaccine containing pertussis.
All adults are recommended one dose of Tdap as soon as possible, especially if pregnant or in close contact with infants.

Mild (common) problems after the vaccine may include:
--Fever.
--Pain, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given.
--Local reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling.
--Drowsiness, fretfulness.
--Tiredness.
Moderate (uncommon) problems after the vaccine may include:
--Seizure (jerking or staring).
--Non-stop crying, for 3 hours or more.
--High fever, over 105ºF.
Severe (very rare) problems after the vaccine may include:
--Serious allergic reaction.

Page last updated: December 2, 2024