Know the Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, starts like a cold. After 1 to 2 weeks, the cold symptoms give way to intense bouts of coughing. The coughing interferes with breathing and can cause vomiting. Pertussis can lead to complications that can be life-threatening, especially in infants. Symptoms are milder in adults. Knowing the symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and treatment.

Pertussis Is Highly Contagious

The rod-shaped Bordetella pertussis bacteria (shown above in green) lodge themselves in the cilia (small hair-like structures) of the respiratory tract. They are spread in droplets from coughs and sneezes. A person with pertussis is contagious from the time the cold symptoms appear. The contagious period lasts up to 3 weeks after the coughing spells begin. The duration of illness can be 6-12 weeks long.

Contain Coughs

Everyone in your house should know how to avoiding spreading germs. Covering the mouth when you cough or sneeze is still the best way. Make sure to clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends that you cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, if you don't have a tissue, rather than your hands.

Treat the Whole Family

Antibiotics such as erythromycin are used to treat whooping cough but need to be started in the first week to significantly decrease the severity of the disease. After that time, they help mainly by preventing transmission to others, shortening the contagion period to just 5 days after treatment starts. Anyone who has been exposed to pertussis should see the doctor for antibiotics to prevent infection.

Don't Spread the Bacteria

Don't delay getting treatment. The sooner you get it, the quicker you'll stop the spread of the bacteria to other people. Don't return to work or school until the doctor says you should. Remember, whooping cough can be deadly, and infants are at highest risk.

Vaccinate to Protect Your Baby

The DTaP vaccine is a safe vaccine that protects your baby against pertussis. Keep a record of the shots in a safe place. You'll need the records for school, and in case your baby is exposed to pertussis later on. Children should be vaccinated at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15 to 18 months
• 4 to 6 years

Boost Protection for Adolescents

LImmunity wears off over time. Since 1980 there has been a steady rise in the number of cases of pertussis among adolescents between age 11 and 18. The Tdap vaccine is a booster vaccine that has been approved for this age group. Protect your child by scheduling a booster shot at the age of 11 or 12.

Get Your Own Boosters

Immunity also wears off in adults. See your doctor about getting your own booster shot of the Tdap vaccine. With a booster shot, you can protect both you and your family from whooping cough.

Remind Caregivers to Get Boosters

Create a protective circle around your child. Remind caregivers and others around your child about the importance of getting a booster shot.

Ask the Doctor About Exceptions

Some people should not get the DTaP vaccine. Anyone with epilepsy or other problems of the nervous system shouldn't get it. Others with serious illness might be advised to wait. And any child who had a serious reaction to an earlier dose should not receive another one. Talk with your doctor about your child's health and reactions before proceeding.

More Reading on Whooping Cough

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
• Whooping Cough FAQs
• Whooping Cough Vaccine for Adolescents
• Chronic Cough
• Slideshow: Bronchitis
• Slideshow: The Common Cold