Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is highly contagious and spreads by coughing, sneezing and even breathing.

What are whooping cough symptoms?

Early symptoms include low-grade fever, a runny nose and a mild cough. After several days, more serious symptoms may appear:

• Violent coughing fits, often followed by a “whoop”
• Throwing up during or after a coughing fit
• Extreme tiredness after a coughing fit

Whooping cough can cause apnea, or a temporary stopping of breathing, in infants. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if a baby is gasping for breath.

Call 911 and go to the ER if an infant or child has any of these symptoms:

• Bluish skin
• Pause in breathing (even a second)
• High fever
• Frequent vomiting
• Dehydration
• Seizures

How is whooping cough treated?

Consult a healthcare provider if you notice symptoms. Prescription antibiotics can shorten the illness.

These tips can reduce symptoms:

• Get rid of irritants that make coughing worse, such as dust, smoke or fumes
• Use a humidifier to soothe coughs
• Eat smaller meals to prevent throwing up
• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
• Avoid cough medicines because they can cause harmful side effects

How does the whooping cough vaccine work?

Healthcare providers recommend a pertussis vaccine for prevention. The whooping cough vaccine comes in a combination shot. The recommendation for children younger than 7 is a DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine. The recommendation for anyone older than 7 is a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) booster vaccine. Consult a healthcare provider to discuss your options.

Consult a healthcare provider if you have whooping cough symptoms. Visit your nearest CareNow® urgent care clinic for diagnosis and treatment or to discuss vaccination options.

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