Whooping cough is a very contagious infection. As of June 1, 2024, preliminary data from the CDC show that the number of reported cases is more than double the same time last year. In 2024, there were over 590 cases reported in California alone. Pertussis (Whooping cough) is a respiratory infection caused by easily spreadable bacteria. Children who get this cough sound like they’re gasping for air. For many people, it starts with a severe hacking cough and ends with a high-pitched breath-in that sounds like “whoop.”

The Symptoms Of Whooping Cough

Early signs of whooping cough may look like those of the common cold. After becoming infected, whooping cough symptoms usually appear within seven to ten days, but they can sometimes take longer. Most of the time, they start off mild and feel like a cold. 

• Runny nose 
• Nasal congestion 
• Red, watery eyes 
• Fever 
• Cough

The signs and symptoms may worsen within a week or two. When thick mucus accumulates in your airways, you cannot stop coughing.  However, many people do not develop the whoop. A persistent hacking cough can be the only indication that a teen or adult has whooping cough. Babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may have difficulty breathing or even stop breathing briefly.

How Can You Prevent Infection

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it, but antibiotics can also be used to treat it. Since 2022, it has been recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated to protect their babies. You can get a vaccine between the ages of 20 and 36 weeks if you are not having periods while pregnant. Parents and anyone who will be in close contact with the baby before six months should be vaccinated after giving birth if they were not vaccinated while pregnant. This is known as the “cocooning” strategy.

Children aged two months, four months, and 11 months can receive their first shots. A second shot is administered between the ages of 11 and 13 and a third at the age of six. When an adult turns 25, they should receive a booster shot. After age 40, they should get a catch-up shot. Antibiotics should be administered alongside vaccinations to people who have been diagnosed with whooping cough.

People who have had direct contact with a case of whooping cough or who have not been immunized should be given preventative antibiotics, even if they do not exhibit any symptoms. Other preventive measures include wearing a mask. Masks should be worn at all times when respiratory infections are prevalent, but they are especially important around vulnerable people, in congested areas, on public transportation, and in health care facilities and care homes.

Whooping cough is very contagious

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is very contagious. It produces the “whoop” sound when a person gasps for air after coughing. This sound is made by approximately one-third of those who contract this infection. People with whooping cough can infect others by coughing or sneezing in close proximity. Other people then breathe the bacteria in. People who have whooping cough are more likely to spread it to others in the first two weeks after contracting it. If you take antibiotics for whooping cough early on, it may not be as severe. It can also help keep family, friends, and coworkers from contracting whooping cough.

Babies Are Most Likely to Experience Complications

Young babies (less than one year old) are more likely to develop whooping cough and experience serious complications. Approximately one-third of babies under the age of 12 months who develop whooping cough require hospitalization. According to the CDC, the most common issues that arise when children of this age are treated in hospitals are:

• Apnea, or stopped breathing, is potentially fatal (68%).
• Lung disease (22%).

People who have pre-existing health issues that could be exacerbated by whooping cough are more likely to develop a serious infection. Some health problems, such as immune system weakness and moderate to severe asthma under medical supervision, may worsen as a result of whooping cough.

When Should You See a Doctor?

The symptoms of whooping cough are a lot like those of a cold, the flu, or bronchitis, so it can be hard to tell early on.  If coughing fits continue for an extended period and cause you or your child to:

• Throw up
• Turn blue or red.
• Appears to be having difficulty breathing or having breaks in breathing.
• Breathe in with a whooping sound.

Wrapping Up 

Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection on the rise. Preventing it is essential. In this article, we have provided an overview of everything you need to know about the infection and the precautions to take. It is clear when to see a doctor and which individuals are at greater risk of complications with this condition. Preventative measures have also been presented, so the tools for avoidance, safe practices, prevention, and proper response were covered. Through awareness people can grasp some control in regard to the spread and impact of whooping cough.

Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

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