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Whooping Cough
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lungs Breathing

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection characterized by violent coughing fits and a distinctive "whooping" sound.

Overview

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is highly contagious and can affect anyone, though it is particularly dangerous for infants who have not yet been vaccinated. About half of infants under age one who contract the disease require hospitalization.

Transmission

The bacteria spread through coughing, sneezing, or breathing in close proximity to others. It can also spread via contaminated surfaces. An infected person is typically contagious for about 2 weeks after the cough begins, though antibiotics can shorten this period.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after exposure, though they may take up to 3 weeks to manifest. The illness typically progresses in stages:

Early Stage (1–2 weeks)

  • Runny nose
  • Mild fever
  • Mild, occasional cough

Advanced Stage

  • Fits of rapid, violent coughing followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound
  • Vomiting during or after coughing fits
  • Exhaustion following coughing fits

Note for infants: Early symptoms in babies may be subtle or absent; they may experience apnea (pauses in breathing) or turn blue. Seek immediate medical care if this occurs.

Diagnosis

Providers diagnose pertussis using a medical history, physical exam, lab tests (mucus swab from the throat/nose), blood tests, or chest x-rays.

Treatment & Prevention

Treatment: Antibiotics are the primary treatment. Early intervention is critical to reduce severity and prevent transmission. Treatment after 3 weeks of illness is often ineffective because the bacteria have already been cleared, even if symptoms persist.

Prevention:

  • Vaccination: The DTaP and Tdap vaccines are the most effective prevention methods.
  • Antibiotics: May be prescribed to family members or those exposed to an infected person to prevent the disease.
  • Hygiene: Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, disinfecting surfaces, covering coughs, and staying home when sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

child is contagious for about 2 weeks after the cough begins, but antibiotics can shorten this period. Once the child has completed a full course of antibiotics and has not had a coughing fit for at least 48 hours, they can typically return to school or daycare.
Whooping cough often starts with a runny nose and mild fever, but after 1–2 weeks it progresses to sudden, forceful coughing fits that may end with a high‑pitched “whoop.” A cold usually does not produce these violent coughs or the whooping sound, and the cough tends to be milder.
The standard treatment is a 7‑day course of azithromycin or a 10‑day course of amoxicillin. Antibiotics are most effective when started within the first 2 weeks of the cough; after 3 weeks the bacteria are usually cleared, and antibiotics mainly help reduce transmission.
Unvaccinated infants under 6 months are at highest risk for severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and death. Protect them by ensuring close contacts are up to date on their Tdap booster, practicing good hand hygiene, avoiding exposure to sick individuals, and keeping the infant away from large crowds until they are fully vaccinated.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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