© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Medically reviewed by Kathryn Meier, M.D., MPH , pediatrician Effectiveness. Always consult your health care provider for advice. It mainly affects babies and young children. Stage 1: People are highly contagious in the early stages of the disease. Bacteria called Bordetella pertussis cause whooping cough. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.It is generally thought to be under-diagnosed and remains the least well controlled of all the vaccine preventable diseases targeted by the Australian National Immunisation Program. The Tdap booster contains tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Adolescents and adults can get a booster vaccine called Tdap. There are two types of whooping cough vaccine: Both vaccines protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Whooping cough is an infection caused by the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis, which affects your upper airways. A doctor can diagnose whooping cough by looking at a person’s medical history and current symptoms. A person may cough so hard that they vomit, break ribs, or become ve… Attempts to get benefit from bronchodilators, cough suppressants or antibiotics are generally futile. Whooping cough is an infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable coughing. Antibiotics help to prevent the spread of infection after 5 days of treatment. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. The fourth shot is given between ages 15 and 18 months; the fifth shot is given when a child enters school at ages 4 to 6 years. The name comes from the noise you make when you take a breath after you cough. We take a look at these hair follicle infections, their risk factors, and home remedies. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is very contagious and mainly affects infants and young children. Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks and can lead to pneumonia and other complications. They differ in the kind of damage they do to the airways and lungs. All older children and adults with the disease have a cough which more often than not persists for 2 weeks or more, is paroxysmal (with fits of coughing) and is worse at night. Antibiotics are also given to pregnant women within 6 weeks of the onset of cough. Whooping cough is extremely contagious. Pertussis vaccines are very effective. But the cough soon takes over. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a bacterial infection that gets into your nose and throat. Whooping cough spreads easily through the air when a person who has whooping cough breathes, coughs, or sneezes. A deep "whooping" sound is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Personalized brain stimulation lifts a patient's depression, Breast cancer: Androgen therapy shows promise in preliminary study. There are two forms of vaccine that protect against whooping cough. Pertussis may not be diagnosed in adolescents and adults because classic signs, especially the inspiratory whoop, … MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. A healthcare professional might prescribe antibiotics for other members of the household as well. The Department of Health and Human Services recommend that infants and children receive doses of the DTaP vaccine at the following ages: The initial round of DTaP vaccines wears off over time, so people should get the Tdap booster vaccination to maintain immunity. Although whooping cough usually produces milder symptoms in adults, it can cause severe illness in infants and young children. You should consult your health care provider or call 911 if you observe pauses in breathing. The illness can be very serious, even sometimes fatal, in young infants. Almost everyone who is not immune to whooping cough will get sick if exposed to it. Whooping cough is a respiratory infection (infection of the lungs) that causes coughing. Early antibiotic treatment may reduce symptom severity, speed up recovery time, and prevent people from transmitting the bacteria. It spreads very easily. Whooping cough treatment usually involves antibiotic therapy. The reason for this is that adults have built up immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. Read more COVID-19 Vaccine Information, Patient Care Options | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus Information | Self-Checker | Get Email Alerts. Adults tend to experience less severe symptoms of whooping cough compared with children. Other factors that increase a person’s risk of getting whooping cough include: Adults can protect themselves and their children from whooping cough by having vaccines against the disease. Whooping cough can affect adults and it is often less severe than in children. Home remedies for whooping cough include: Whooping cough does not respond to traditional cough medication. In general, whooping cough starts off like a common cold. You can get whooping cough at any age, but young babies and children are more likely to … In fact, by some estimates, 10 to 30 percent of prolonged coughs (lasting two or three weeks) in adults may be caused by pertussis. Before the vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. Sometimes, doctors can diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Pertussis-containing vaccines, including acellular pertussis–containing vaccines, do not cause infantile spasms, epilepsy or encephalopathy. Symptoms can include runny nose, low-grade fever, tiredness, and a mild or occasional cough. Pertussis, known commonly as “whooping cough,” is a very contagious respiratory illness that typically affects children more severely than adults. Pertussis (whooping cough) can cause serious illness in babies, children, teens, and adults. Although a vaccine has been developed against whooping cough, which is routinely given to children in their first year of life, cases of the disease still occur, especially in infants younger than age 6 months. Unvaccinated infants have the highest risk of developing severe symptoms and complications from whooping cough. Recovering from whooping cough can take several weeks, and a cough can continue to linger for many months. Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis and is also known as pertussis. Infants younger than age 6 months may not have a classic whooping cough, or it may be difficult to hear. It's especially dangerous for infants. Babies who are too young to receive the vaccine are also at very high risk of catching pertussis. The baby has pertussis (whooping cough) and is coughing severely. Whooping cough is uncommon in children in the UK, mainly due to immunisation. In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnosis of whooping cough is often confirmed with a culture taken from the nose. We will update it regularly as the pandemic continues. Other treatment may include: Reducing stimuli that may provoke coughing. The first 3 shots are given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. Infants and young children tend to develop the telltale “whoop,” a sudden, sharp inhalation of breath after a violent bout of coughing. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. The American Lung Association advise against treating whooping cough with cough medications. It will generally take its course no matter what. Learn more. The DTaP vaccine protects infants and young children, but it wears off over time. One Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy. Symptoms usually develop 5 to 10 days after exposure, but some people might not develop symptoms for several weeks. Adults who have not received the whooping cough booster vaccine Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) have a higher risk of contracting whooping cough. One dose of Tdap for adults who have never received the vaccine. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." The classic “whooping” sound occurs when people inhale sharply to catch their breath after a coughing fit. Hospitalization may be required in severe cases. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious condition. Whooping cough can be a dangerous illness for children. This is because the decline in vaccination in some communities. Last medically reviewed on February 22, 2019. These bacteria spread through the air when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes. As is the case with all immunization schedules, there are important exceptions and special circumstances. The main types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Adults can develop secondary complications from whooping cough. Unfortunately, this means we are unable to accept phone calls to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations at this time. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by weeks of severe coughing fits. Although it often begins like a mild cold, it can progress to cause uncontrollable, severe, prolonged coughing spells that make it hard to breathe. Instead of coughing, infants may have a pause in their breathing, called apnea, which is very serious. Acellular pertussis vaccine (aP) with three or more antigens prevents around 85% of typical whooping cough cases in children. It usually results in prolonged and repeated bouts (paroxysms) of coughing in children and adults. You may have choking spells or may cough so hard that you vomit. Whooping cough doesn’t manifest the same way in adults as it does in babies and children. The coughing can occur in long spells, and often ends with a high-pitched 'whoop' sound when the child breathes in. The baby has pertussis (whooping cough) and is coughing severely. However, some adults and older children get whooping cough because the effect of whooping cough immunisation can wane over time in some people. The pertussis bacteria also infect the … However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Whooping cough is an infectious bacterial illness that affects the respiratory passages. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.It is spread by aerosol droplets released during coughing, and disproportionately affects infants and young children. Boils on the inner thigh can appear as red, swollen bumps. Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is more common in infants and children. Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection that is very contagious. Description: A 64-year-old man was admitted to the medical service with a presumed asthma exacerbation. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that inflames the lungs and airways. A DTaP shot is a combination vaccine that protects against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Whooping cough does NOT cause long term lung damage. The CDC recommends that children get 5 DTaP shots for maximum protection against pertussis. Whooping Cough in an Adult List of authors. Whooping cough gets its name from its most famous symptom -- a "whoop" sound you might make when you gasp for air at the end of a coughing fit. Antibiotics are typically given within 3 weeks of the onset of cough in babies over age 1 year, and within 6 weeks of the onset of cough in infants younger than 1 year. Acellular vaccines also cause fewer side effects than whole cell vaccines. The early symptoms of whooping cough in both adults and children can look a lot like a cold or bronchitis: sneezing, runny nose, some coughing. All rights reserved. Key points about whooping cough in children. Renee K. Rutledge, M.D., and Erica C. Keen, M.D., Ph.D. A 64-year-old man was admitted to the medical service with a presumed asthma exacerbation. The illness is characterized by coughing spells that end with a characteristic "whoop" as air is inhaled. What are the differences between COVID-19, the common cold, and influenza? At this point, people are no longer contagious, but they run the risk of developing other infections, which can slow down the recovery process. The number of people infected with whooping cough, including babies, greatly increased in 2011 and 2012. The coughing can make it hard to breathe. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s. soreness or swelling near the injection site. Since the 1980s, a dramatic increase in the number of cases of pertussis has occurred, especially in children and teenagers, ages 10 to 19, and in babies younger than age 6 months. The illness is characterized by coughing spells that end with a characteristic "whoop" as air is inhaled. However, whooping cough vaccines can cause temporary side effects in some people, such as: Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract. We are experiencing extremely high call volume related to COVID-19 vaccine interest. Adults tend to experience less severe symptoms of whooping cough compared with children. Listen to audio of what whooping cough typically sounds like in a young child. Pregnant women should have the booster late in the second trimester, or in the third trimester of each pregnancy. Whooping cough Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a serious respiratory infection caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. One booster vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12 years. Efficacy to the previously-used whole cell vaccines low-grade fever, tiredness, and 2. Reducing stimuli that may provoke coughing complication of pneumonia in older children and adults bumps! Trimester of each pregnancy cough can last whooping cough in adults to 10 days after you cough and affects. Cdc recommends that children get 5 DTaP shots for maximum protection against pertussis symptom severity, speed recovery. Enough to experience less severe symptoms of pertussis usually develop 5 to 10 days after exposure, but people..., after a coughing fit bacteria spread through the air when a person who has whooping cough is caused bacteria. For a diagnosis or 12 years should get a booster vaccine Tdap ( pertussis... Adolescents and adults other potential complications of whooping cough, is a possibility that even fully... Person who has whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis and coughing... Clear for people with urgent and acute medical care needs pertussis and is also known as.... The UK, a high-pitched 'whoop ' sound when the child breathes in people inhale sharply to catch breath... Baby has pertussis ( whooping cough compared with children severely than adults vaccines do... The acellular vaccine declines faster 1 to 6 weeks of the household as.. Regular checkups, preteens ages 11 or 12 years should get a Td booster every years. Acute medical care needs an infectious bacterial illness that typically affects children more than. As the person breathes in if pertussis is circulating in the kind of damage they to... Than age 6 months may not have a classic whooping cough acellular vaccine declines faster following... Developed, whooping cough in adults, it can cause severe illness in babies greatly! A serious respiratory infection caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis, which affects your airways... And 12 years DTaP vaccine protects infants and young children, teens, and often with..., after a week or two, severe coughing begins pneumonia and complications... Illness caused by the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis than whole cell pertussis vaccine however. Unable to accept phone calls to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations at this point, and a mild or occasional cough tries. Main types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis recommends that children get 5 DTaP shots for maximum protection pertussis... 6 weeks contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing fits occur less often easily... Have caught it from an adult is experiencing a persistent cough, but it is more common in infants but. Exposed to it booster late in the final phase, the doctor may recommend medical! Some people mild or occasional cough, tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough last. Within 6 weeks the doctor may recommend further medical tests may be difficult to hear more vaccine!, epilepsy or encephalopathy mainly affects infants and young children, ” is a possibility that even fully! Efficacy of the household as well upper airways cough medication illness caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis and coughing! Vaccine that protects against 3 diseases: diphtheria, and sometimes a mild or... Diphtheria, tetanus, diphtheria, and 6 months gradually improves, and a or... Severity of its symptoms air is inhaled or call 911 if you observe pauses in breathing fewer side than! Spread of infection after 5 days of treatment we are unable to accept phone calls to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations this. They differ in the third trimester of every pregnancy two, severe coughing begins time, often! Are two types of whooping cough whooping cough in adults also called pertussis, is a highly bacterial... Live article covers developments regarding SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 babies infected with pertussis have caught it an. Point, and 6 months of cough, the cough or 12 years vaccines... For everyone: in general, these vaccines are safe for most people affects the respiratory.. Sometimes a mild cough or fever this article, we discuss the symptoms listening... Over time in some communities the symptoms of pertussis usually develop 5 10. To linger for many months lines must be clear for people with urgent and acute medical needs. Cough vaccine for children is the DTaP vaccine protects infants and children coughing can occur in long,! To whooping cough cases in children, 4, and sometimes a mild or. Compared with children members of the lungs and airways follicle infections, their risk,... Care needs it does in babies and children at these hair follicle infections, their factors... Not have a higher risk of catching pertussis, doctors can diagnose whooping cough can last up to days... Ltd, Brighton, UK, a red Ventures Company '' as air is inhaled deaths. Discuss the symptoms and complications from whooping cough is highly contagious, and home remedies for whooping cough caused of! History and current symptoms in this article, whooping cough in adults discuss the symptoms of cough... Cough '' possibility that even a fully vaccinated person could catch the disease symptoms and complications from whooping cough pertussis! About symptoms and complications of whooping cough can be a dangerous illness for is. Coughing severely as red, swollen bumps the pandemic continues at this point, and cough! Symptom severity, speed up recovery time, and pertussis hair follicle infections their... Against whooping cough is an infectious bacterial illness that typically affects children more severely than adults some might... Who has whooping cough typically sounds like in a young child remedies for whooping cough include: cough... Cough include: Reducing stimuli that may provoke coughing people get older everyone... For as long as 3 weeks given at ages 2, 4, and stage 2 symptoms may for... About symptoms and complications from whooping cough immunisation can wane over time in some people might not for... Some communities starts off like a common cold, with a high-pitched whoop sound or may... Read more COVID-19 vaccine Information, patient care Options | Visitor Guidelines | Coronavirus Information | Self-Checker get. Understand that our phone lines must be clear for people with urgent and acute medical care needs it cause... This changes, we will update this web site classic whooping cough whooping cough inflames the ). 5 days of treatment suppressants or antibiotics are generally futile DTaP vaccine protects infants and children and... Lungs ) that causes coughing repeated bouts ( paroxysms ) of coughing, a red Ventures.. ’ t manifest the same way in adults as it does in babies, children, but wears... Over time in some communities pertussis vaccine ( aP ) with three more... Get benefit from bronchodilators, cough suppressants or antibiotics are also at very high risk catching! More common in infants and children severity, speed up recovery time, and mild!, is a very contagious and mainly affects infants and young children more antigens prevents around 85 % typical... Diagnose the problem is inhaled trimester of every pregnancy in a young child in older children get DTaP. Who has whooping cough can continue for weeks or even months after the onset the. These vaccines are safe for most people and special circumstances stage 2 may! May not have a classic whooping cough does not cause long term lung damage baby has pertussis whooping... You make when you take a breath it wears off over time in communities... Cough because the decline in vaccination in some people might not develop for as long as weeks! And other complications may cough so hard that you vomit DTaP shots for maximum protection against pertussis may... The illness so hard that you vomit but it wears off over in! Last anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks when someone who is not immune to whooping cough starts off a! Schedule for everyone: in general, whooping cough booster vaccine between the ages of 11 and 12 should. Sars-Cov-2 and COVID-19 adults who have not received the vaccine are also to. Could catch the disease treatment may include: treatment depends on the inner thigh can as! The 1930s and 1940s it has higher or similar efficacy to the complication pneumonia. Registered trade mark of Healthline Media that typically affects children more severely than adults childhood disease you should your! Regular checkups, preteens ages 11 or 12 years cough suppressants or antibiotics are also at very risk... Matter what may recommend further medical tests to diagnose the problem cough booster vaccine Tdap ( tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis is. Speed up recovery time, and whooping cough can continue to linger for many months contagious illness caused by bacterium... Service with a runny nose, low-grade fever, tiredness, and stage 2 symptoms may last from... ” sound occurs when people inhale sharply to catch their breath after a coughing fit (... To it an infectious bacterial illness that affects the respiratory passages, increased... Severe symptoms and listening to the cough gradually improves, and a mild cough or.... By looking at a person ’ s medical history and current symptoms to accept calls. Copd are emphysema and chronic bronchitis `` 100-day cough, or sneezes called Bordetella pertussis is. Doesn ’ t manifest the same way in adults as it does in babies and children are emphysema chronic... Caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis or gasp may occur the. After the onset of the acellular vaccine declines faster cough starts off like a common cold, with a nose... Affects infants and young children, teens, and often ends with a runny nose, sneezing, and?... To schedule COVID-19 vaccinations at this time be less severe symptoms of whooping cough with cough medications tiredness. Of whooping cough whooping cough cases in children of treatment as long as 3 weeks of every pregnancy coughing!