Whooping cough
Overview
Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can be serious. It's important for babies, children and anyone who's pregnant to get vaccinated against it.
Symptoms
The first signs of whooping cough are similar to acold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon). After about a week, you or your child: will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at nightmay make a "whoop" sound – a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not "whoop")may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants)may bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomitmay become very red in the face (more common in adults) The cough may last for several weeks or months. There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of whooping cough. get plenty of rest get plenty of rest drink lots of fluids drink lots of fluids takeparacetamoloribuprofenif you or your child are uncomfortable – check the leaflet if you're not sure it's suitable for you or your child takeparacetamoloribuprofenif you or your child are uncomfortable – check the leaflet if you're not sure it's suitable for you or your child do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 years do not give aspirin to children under the age of 16 years
Causes
Bacterial infection (Bordetella pertussis). Highly contagious.
Treatment
Treatment for whooping cough depends on your age and how long you've had the infection. Hospital treatment is usually needed if you have severe whooping cough, or your baby is under 6 months old and has whooping cough. If whooping cough is diagnosed within 2 weeks of your cough starting, you'll be given antibiotics to help stop it spreading to others. Some healthcare and nursery workers may be given antibiotics within 3 weeks of the cough starting. Antibiotics may not reduce symptoms. Keep taking the antibiotics until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment too soon could lead to the infection coming back.
Prevention
Vaccination (pregnancy/infants/pre-school).
When to see a doctor
See GP/111 ASAP if: suspected whooping cough; breathing difficulties.