The Facts About Whooping Cough

How It Spreads:

The bacteria that cause whooping cough can spread from person to person through the air, usually if an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria become airborne and can be breathed in by other people. It can also be spread by touching an infected surface and then touching the nose or mouth. 

What are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?

The initial symptoms of whooping cough usually begin about five to ten days after exposure to the bacteria. Initial symptoms are similar to those of a cold and may include:

• Mild fever
• Runny nose
• Mild cough

As the illness progresses, the cough gets worse and may include the following more severe symptoms:

• Uncontrolled fits of rapid cough followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits
• Exhaustion after coughing fits
• Urinary incontinence
• Fractured ribs caused by severe coughing

The coughing fits progressively get worse and occur more often, especially at night. These symptoms may last for 10 weeks or longer. 

Risks and Serious Complications of Whooping Cough

Anyone who has not received the pertussis (DTap) vaccine is at risk of contracting whooping cough. 

Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes deadly complications that are more severe in children than in adults. It is extremely dangerous for infants, especially those who have not been vaccinated.  While the early symptoms in babies may only be a minor cough, as the illness progresses, violent coughing fits often occur and dangerous symptoms and serious complications can include: 

• Gagging or struggling to breath
• Skin, lips or nails that turn blue or purple
• Life-threatening pauses in breathing called apnea
• Fractured ribs or abdominal hernia
• Pneumonia
• Convulsions
• Death

If your child is struggling to breathe or turns blue, seek medical care immediately.

Infants and children who have not received all the recommended whooping cough vaccines are more likely to experience serious complications.

Treatments – How is Whooping Cough Treated?

Whooping cough is most often treated with antibiotics to fight the infection. Early treatment is very important and may help to make the infection less serious. It can also help prevent the spread of the disease to others. Whooping cough can be very serious for infants and usually requires treatment in the hospital.

What is causing the rise in cases of whooping cough?

According to the CDC, vaccination rates for whooping cough (DTap vaccine) are not as high as they should be and have started falling in children since 2020. In addition, fewer adolescents receive the necessary booster (Tdap). Since the efficacy of the vaccine decreases over time, more people are susceptible to catching and spreading this illness, especially to those who are unvaccinated. It is also highly contagious and is easily spread through droplets when infected people cough and sneeze. 

Does New York State require a whooping cough vaccination?

In New York State, children attending day care and pre-K through 5^th grade must receive the DTap vaccine on the recommended schedule, and the Tdap booster (grades 6-12) to attend or remain in school. This is required for all students unless they have a valid medical exemption to the immunization

Prevention - Can Whooping Cough be Prevented?

Vaccines are the Best Prevention for Whooping Cough

Vaccines are the best way to prevent or lessen the severity of the infection. Vaccination not only protects you but also protects those in the community who are vulnerable and unable to be vaccinated. 

The pertussis vaccine is known as DTap. It protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. It is given to infants in a series of five shots starting at two months old. Dosages are generally given at the following ages: 2, 4, and 6 months, 15-18 months, and at 4 to 6 years.

Boosters for Whooping Cough

Protection from the pertussis vaccine begins to decline around the age of 11, so a booster shot (known as Tdap) is recommended for:

• Pre-teens at 11 or 12 years old
• Pregnant women — Doctors recommend the Tdap vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect the infant during the first few months of life.
• Adults — A booster shot is recommended for adults every 10 years.
• People in contact with infants and other high-risk groups.

Dr. Muia-Chisena added, “Any adults who will be in close contact with infants, such as parents, grandparents and childcare providers, should get a booster vaccination.”

Prevent the Spread of Whooping Cough

Infants and those at high risk should be kept away from people who have whooping cough. The spread of whooping cough can be prevented by: 

• Washing your hands often with soap and water
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch
• Covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Find Care at Catholic Health

Find a Catholic Health doctor near you. Or call 866-MY-LI-DOC (866-695-4362).