Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Overview

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. The name comes from the 'whooping' sound some people make when they gasp for air after a coughing spell.

Whooping cough is less common now because of vaccination, but outbreaks still happen, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Cases can occur in people of all ages.

Whooping cough can affect anyone, but it is most serious and dangerous for babies under 6 months old, who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Older children and adults can also get it, often with milder symptoms.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Mild cough that gradually becomes severe
• Fits of rapid coughing followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound when breathing in
• Vomiting after coughing fits
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)

Symptoms in children

• Severe coughing fits that can cause the face to turn red or blue
• Apnea (pauses in breathing) in infants under 6 months
• Trouble feeding or drinking due to coughing
• Low fever or no fever

Symptoms in older adults

• A persistent cough that may not have the classic 'whoop' sound
• Milder symptoms such as a runny nose and mild fever
• Coughing fits that last for several weeks and can disturb sleep

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which spreads through tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes of an infected person.
• Close contact with someone who has whooping cough, especially in the first few weeks when symptoms are mild and easily mistaken for a cold.

Risk factors

• Not being vaccinated or having incomplete vaccination
• Living with or having close contact with someone who has whooping cough
• Being an infant too young to be fully vaccinated (the first dose is given at 2 months old)
• Having a weakened immune system

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your baby has difficulty breathing, pauses in breathing, or turns blue.
• If coughing fits cause your child to choke, faint, or have a seizure.
• If you or your child has a severe cough with signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no urine for 6 hours).

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you or your child has had a cough for more than a week that is getting worse.
• If you have been exposed to someone with whooping cough and are pregnant, have a baby, or have not been vaccinated.
• If the cough is interfering with sleep, eating, or daily activities.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about symptoms, vaccination history, and any exposure to someone with a cough. They will also listen to the sound of the cough and check for the characteristic 'whoop'.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal swab: A cotton swab inserted into the nose to collect a sample of mucus, which is sent to a lab to test for the pertussis bacteria.
• Blood test: To check for antibodies that signal a recent infection.
• Chest X-ray: May be done if there are signs of pneumonia or if the cough is severe.

What to expect at your appointment

If the doctor suspects whooping cough, they may prescribe treatment right away, especially if you are in the early stages. The results of a nasal swab can take a few days. You will be advised to avoid contact with others, especially infants and pregnant women, until you have been on treatment for at least 5 days.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on reducing the spread of the infection and helping the body recover. Antibiotics can shorten the contagious period if started early, but they may not reduce the cough's duration if started later. The cough itself often lasts many weeks and requires supportive care.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
• Drink small amounts of fluid often to stay hydrated and avoid triggering cough fits.
• Use a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to moisten the air and soothe coughing.
• Avoid smoke, fumes, and strong smells that can make coughing worse.
• Eat small, frequent meals to prevent vomiting after coughing.

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop the spread to others. These are most effective when given within the first 3 weeks of illness. For severe cases, especially in babies, hospital care may be needed for oxygen, fluids, and close monitoring. Cough medicines are generally not recommended because they do not help and can be harmful in young children.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat whooping cough.

Living with this condition

While you are contagious (usually the first 3 weeks or until you have been on antibiotics for 5 days), stay home from work, school, and public places. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and wash your hands often. Keep babies away from anyone with a cough until they are fully vaccinated.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid close contact with infants, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems until you are no longer contagious.
• Practice good hygiene: sneeze or cough into your elbow, and wash hands with soap and water frequently.
• Keep your home well-ventilated and avoid sharing cups or utensils.

Diet and exercise

Eat small, bland meals to avoid triggering cough spells. Stay hydrated with water, clear soups, or diluted juice. Avoid strenuous exercise while the cough is severe, but gentle movement like walking can help maintain energy. Listen to your body and rest when needed.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

The long-lasting cough can be frustrating, exhausting, and embarrassing. It may disrupt sleep, work, and social life. It is normal to feel stressed or anxious. Talk to your doctor if you are struggling, and consider joining an online support group where others share their experiences.

Prevention

Yes, whooping cough can be prevented through vaccination. The vaccine is very effective, but protection can fade over time, so booster doses are recommended for adults, especially those in contact with babies.

Vaccines

The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine for babies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks old, with a booster at 3 years and 4 months. Pregnant women are offered a booster to protect their newborn. Adults who are in close contact with babies should also consider a booster. Speak to your GP or practice nurse about vaccination schedules.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for whooping cough. Testing is done only if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone confirmed to have the infection.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Seizures due to lack of oxygen during coughing fits
• Brain damage (encephalopathy) from long periods without enough oxygen
• In infants: apnea (pauses in breathing), dehydration, weight loss, and in rare cases, death

Long-term outlook

Most people, especially older children and adults, recover fully from whooping cough, although the cough can last for several weeks or months. With good supportive care and, when appropriate, early antibiotics, the risk of complications is low. For babies, prompt medical care greatly improves the outlook. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your community.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) - Pertussis ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Pertussis ↗

Local organisations

• NHS - Whooping Cough ↗ · United Kingdom
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) - Pertussis ↗ · United Kingdom
• British Lung Foundation - Whooping Cough ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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