What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial, respiratory infection that cause intense coughing fits. In severe cases, the coughing can be rapid, violent and spasmodic— and may even cause vomiting. The disease is named after the “whooping” noise that is commonly made when you try to breathe in and get air after coughing. The symptoms of whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but progress into a severe cough that may last for weeks or months.
What is the Cause of Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria damages the lining of the airways, causing them to swell, leading to a thick buildup of mucus which restricts breathing. This often results in a serious and violent cough.
Is Whooping Cough Contagious?
Whooping cough is highly contagious. People can be contagious for at least two weeks after their onset of symptoms. People can unknowingly spread the bacteria, especially if they have mild symptoms and don’t know that they have it. Whooping Cough can be very dangerous and life-threatening for infants who have not yet received the vaccine. “Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that can be extremely serious for infants and young children. Getting vaccinated for whooping cough is the best way to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Richard Honigman, MD, Catholic Health Pediatrician.
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 becomes 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 that 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 to prevent spreading 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 5th grade must receive the DTap vaccine on the recommended schedule and the Tdap booster (grades 6-12) in order 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 provides protection 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 provide protection to 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. Honigman 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).