December 15, 2025

Whooping Cough (Pertussis): What to Know

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It is most dangerous in infants and is a significant cause of disease and fatalities in that age group.

Fortunately, whooping cough is a vaccine preventable illness, and there are options for the most vulnerable patients.

 

Symptoms of pertussis can become severe 1

Early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) can look like a common cold and can include:

  • Runny or stuffed-up nose
  • Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
  • Mild, occasional cough

The infection develops into a worsening cough within 1 to 2 weeks. Babies and young children may not cough but may struggle to breathe instead.

Rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits (paroxysms) usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can continue for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits can cause people to:

  • Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they inhale after a coughing fit
  • Vomit during or after coughing fits
  • Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
  • Have difficulty sleeping at night
  • Struggle to breathe
  • Fracture (break) a rib

Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives.

 

Complications of whooping cough are common 1

Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes deadly complications in babies and young children. Babies and children who haven't had all recommended whooping cough vaccines are more likely to get serious complications.
About 1 in 3 babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. The younger the baby, the more likely they'll need hospital treatment.
Babies younger than 1 year old who are treated in the hospital can have:

  • Apnea (breathing difficulty): 2 in 3 (68%)
  • Pneumonia (lung infection): 1 in 5 (22%)
  • Convulsions (violent, uncontrolled shaking): 1 in 50 (2%)
  • Encephalopathy (disease of the brain): 1 in 150 (0.6%)
  • One in 100 (1%) will die from their complications.

 

Testing and treatment of whooping cough 2, 3

Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are often similar to other respiratory illnesses. However, it is critical to treat this illness early, before the coughing fits begin. Because it is very infectious, testing can help others receive early treatment when necessary.

Healthcare providers can diagnose whooping cough by doing a:

•   History of typical signs and symptoms
•   Physical exam
•   Nasal swab

Treatment generally includes antibiotics and further treatment in the hospital may be required if symptoms are serious.

 

Prevention of whooping cough 4, 5

The best way to prevent pertussis is through immunization. Vaccination of pregnant women is effective in preventing disease in infants too young to be vaccinated. In addition to vaccination, the CDC also recommends treatment after exposure to prevent illness (postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis). This preventive treatment is especially important for:

  • Household contacts of a pertussis case
  • People at high risk of developing severe pertussis infection
  • Those who will have contact with people at high risk of developing severe pertussis infection

As with all respiratory illnesses, keeping good hygiene practices like frequent hand washing can help prevent spreading the illness to others.

 

Choose HNL Lab Medicine

HNL Lab Medicine is committed to keeping our community safe. We hope this article can help you identify the symptoms of whooping cough. If you have symptoms or have been exposed to whooping cough (pertussis), see your healthcare provider right away. Lab testing can help determine the cause of your symptoms and help you obtain the correct treatment as soon as possible.

We know your health can’t wait. That’s why our team is dedicated to giving you fast, reliable results so you and your provider can take the next step with confidence. Wherever you are, HNL Lab Medicine has a location nearby to serve you quickly and comfortably.

 

 

REFERENCES
¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 02). Symptoms of whooping cough. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/signs-symptoms/index.html.
² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 02). Treatment of whooping cough. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/treatment/index.html.
³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 02). About whooping cough. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html.
⁴ World Health Organization. (n.d.). Pertussis. https://www.who.int/health-topics/pertussis#tab=tab_1 .
⁵ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 02). Clinical overview of pertussis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/hcp/clinical-overview/index.html.