Can adults get whooping cough?

Yes, adults can get whooping cough, especially as vaccine immunity wanes over time. Adult cases are often milder but can still be severe and can spread the infection to vulnerable infants.

How long does whooping cough last?

Whooping cough can last for 10 weeks or longer, which is why it is sometimes called the '100-day cough.' The coughing fits gradually decrease in frequency and intensity over several weeks.

Why is whooping cough dangerous for babies?

Infants are at highest risk because they may stop breathing during coughing episodes, and their airways are too small to handle the thick mucus. Whooping cough in infants can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, or death.

InfectiousICD-10: A37About 15,000-40,000 cases reported annually in the US, with actual numbers likely higher

Whooping Cough

Also known as: Pertussis

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, characterized by severe coughing fits that can end with a high-pitched whooping sound. It is most dangerous in infants who are too young to be vaccinated and can cause life-threatening complications. Vaccination with DTaP and Tdap is the most effective way to prevent pertussis.

Symptoms

Initial cold-like symptoms with mild cough and runny nose

Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits lasting one to two minutes

Whooping sound when breathing in after a coughing fit

Vomiting after coughing episodes

Exhaustion after coughing fits

Face turning red or blue during coughing

Apnea (breathing pauses) in infants

Causes

Infection with Bordetella pertussis bacteria
Spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
Close contact with an infected person

Risk Factors

Infants under 12 months who are not fully vaccinated
Waning vaccine immunity in adolescents and adults
Close contact with an infected individual
Incomplete vaccination series

Diagnosis

Nasopharyngeal swab for culture or PCR testing
Blood tests showing elevated white blood cell count
Clinical evaluation based on characteristic cough
Chest X-ray to check for complications

Treatment

Antibiotics such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin
Early treatment to reduce severity and contagiousness
Hospitalization for infants with severe disease
Supportive care including fluids, suctioning, and oxygen
Prophylactic antibiotics for close contacts

Prevention

DTaP vaccine series for children in five doses
Tdap booster for adolescents and adults
Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy to protect newborns
Post-exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics for close contacts

When to See a Doctor

Persistent cough, especially with a whooping sound
Coughing fits that cause vomiting or turning red or blue
Any coughing illness in an infant
Known exposure to whooping cough

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Pneumonia

Respiratory

Bronchitis

Respiratory

Croup

Pediatric

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