Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory disease that easily spreads between people. It can cause rapid and strong coughing fits that may be followed by a “whooping” sound as the person tries to breathe in. Pertussis can affect people of all ages. But babies less than a year old are especially at risk.

Pertussis was once a leading cause of childhood death. But a vaccine developed in the 1940s led to a dramatic drop in cases worldwide. Still, outbreaks of pertussis occur in the U.S. That’s because the current vaccine’s protection can gradually wane. So, it’s important to know how to recognize the signs of pertussis, and make sure that you and your loved ones are properly vaccinated.

Pertussis is caused by bacteria that infect the lungs and airways. Coughing when infected with pertussis creates airborne droplets of bacteria that can infect others.

The illness usually begins with mild symptoms, like sneezing and gentle coughs. A week or two later, a severe coughing phase begins. This phase can last for many weeks.

“Pertussis is sometimes called the 100-day cough. The illness can last that long,” says Dr. Kathryn M. Edwards, a pediatrician and vaccine researcher at Vanderbilt University.

Coughing spells in children can be so severe that they’re unable to eat. “They can stop breathing because of the cough, and it can cause strain on the heart and the lungs,” she adds.

The recovery phase may last weeks or more. And, the severe coughing spells can return if the person gets another respiratory disease, even months later.

Infants under 2 months old are too young to be vaccinated against pertussis. But studies have shown that you can protect newborns by getting the vaccine during pregnancy. The vaccine boosts pertussis-fighting antibodies. These get transferred through the placenta to the baby.

“The vaccine protects the mother against getting whooping cough and also protects the newborn baby,” Edwards says.

Today’s pertussis vaccine is given as part of a combination vaccine. The one given to babies is called DTaP, for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The booster shot for older children and adults is called Tdap. It has a lower dose of the diphtheria and pertussis components.

Since 1997, all pertussis vaccines in the U.S. are “acellular” vaccines. That means they’re made of pieces of pertussis bacteria. This type of vaccine has fewer side effects than the original vaccine, which was made of the whole, killed bacteria. But researchers have found that the acellular vaccine’s protection fades more quickly than the original whole-cell vaccine.

Researchers are looking for ways to improve the current vaccine. But, Edwards says, “when the current vaccines are given as recommended, they markedly reduced pertussis disease."

Preventing Pertussis

Vaccines are the best way to protect against pertussis (whooping cough). CDC’s vaccine recommendations are based on a person’s age:

• Babies and children should get five shots of the DTaP vaccine between ages 2 months and 6 years.
• Older children should get one shot of the Tdap booster between ages 11 and 12 years.Pregnant people should get Tdap during the 3rd trimester of each pregnancy. This helps protect newborns before they’re able to get their own vaccinations, starting at the age of 2 months.
• All adults who never received Tdap should get one. Adults should also get a booster of diphtheria and tetanus (Td) or Tdap every 10 years.
• Ask your health care provider if you have questions about when you or your children should get the DTaP or Tdap vaccine.

Adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Whooping cough (pertussis) spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until there isn’t any air in your lungs. When this happens, you are forced to inhale with a loud “whooping” sound. This extreme coughing can last for weeks and cause you to throw up or crack ribs. Young babies with whooping cough may not cough at all, but can have trouble breathing. About half of babies younger than a year old who get whooping cough end up in the hospital and a few die. Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. There are two types of whooping cough vaccines—DTaP for babies and young children and Tdap for preteens, teens, pregnant women, and adults.

Key Facts

• Only humans get whooping cough. People spread the bacteria that causes it to others by coughing or sneezing.
• Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the number of cases of whooping cough reported in the United States.
• About half of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough end up in the hospital.
• Two vaccines help prevent whooping cough: DTaP for children younger than 7 years old and Tdap for older children and adults, including pregnant women.
• Pregnant women who get Tdap pass some short-term protection against whooping cough to their baby.

Prevent Whooping Cough

Anyone who comes in close contact with a baby should be up to date with their whooping cough vaccine.

Get Vaccinated

If you are pregnant, CDC recommends that you get the whooping cough shot, called Tdap, to help protect yourself and your baby.

Know the Signs

Whooping cough starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and maybe a mild cough or fever. But after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing can begin. Babies may not cough at all though. Instead, they often have trouble breathing.

Prevention Tips

• Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. Both whooping cough vaccines (DTaP and Tdap) protect against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
• Babies need to get a DTaP shot when they are 2, 4, and 6 months old to build a high level of protection against whooping cough.
• CDC recommends DTaP booster shots when children are 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years old to help maintain protection.
• Preteens should get Tdap at 11 or 12 years old. Teens who didn’t get Tdap as a preteen should get the shot the next time they visit their doctor.
• Adults who have never received it should get one shot of Tdap.
• Pregnant women should get Tdap during each pregnancy to provide short-term protection to their baby in early life.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious disease that can be very serious, especially for babies.

Keeping up to date with whooping cough vaccines is the best way to protect you and your loved ones.

Whooping cough can be very serious, especially for babies.

• Whooping cough can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can even be life threatening, especially in babies.
• About one third of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital, and 1 out of 100 babies who get treatment in the hospital die.

Whooping cough is very contagious.

• The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing.
• Some people have mild symptoms and don’t know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria that cause it to others, including babies.

Severe coughing fits can last for weeks.

• Pertussis is known as “whooping cough” because of the “whooping” sound that people can make when gasping for air after a fit of coughing.
• Whooping cough can cause rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits until all air is gone from the lungs. These coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more.

Babies may not cough at all.

• Babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.
• Any time someone is struggling to breathe, it is important to get them to a doctor right away.

Vaccines are the best protection against whooping cough.

• The best way to protect you and your loved ones is to stay up to date with recommended whooping cough vaccines.
• Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. Children younger than 7 years old get DTaP, while older children, teens, and adults get Tdap.
• Women should get a Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy to help protect their baby early in life.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits. In serious cases, the coughing can become violent and rapid. You may cough so hard that you vomit. The name of the disease comes from the whooping noise you might make when you try to breathe in after coughing.

Whooping cough is very contagious and can affect anyone. But it can be especially serious in babies who did not yet get the vaccine. About half of babies under age one who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.

What causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It spreads from person to person. People who have pertussis usually spread it through coughing, sneezing, or breathing very close to someone. It can also sometimes be spread by touching an infected surface and then touching your nose or mouth.

If you get pertussis, you are contagious for about 2 weeks after you start coughing. Antibiotics may shorten the time that you are contagious.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

The symptoms of pertussis usually start within 5 to 10 days after you are exposed. But sometimes you may not get symptoms until up to 3 weeks later.

Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms. They may last for 1 to 2 weeks and can include

• Runny nose
• Mild fever
• Mild, occasional cough

The early symptoms in babies can be different. They may only cough a little bit, or they may not cough at all. Babies may have apnea, which means that there is a pause in breathing. They may start to turn blue. If this happens, get medical care for your baby right away.

As whopping cough gets worse, the symptoms may include

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

The coughing fits get worse and start happening more often, especially at night. You may have them for up to 10 weeks or more.

Recovery from this can happen slowly. Your cough gets milder and happens less often. The coughing fits can come back if you have another respiratory infection, even months after you first got whooping cough.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose whooping cough:

• A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms
• A physical exam
• A lab test which involves taking a sample of mucus from the back of the throat through the nose. This may be done with a swab or syringe filled with saline. The sample is tested for the bacteria that causes whooping cough.
• Blood test
• Chest x-ray

What are the treatments for whooping cough?

The treatment for whooping cough is usually antibiotics. Early treatment is very important. It may make your infection less serious and can also help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Treatment after you have been sick for 3 weeks or longer may not help. The bacteria are gone from your body by then, even though you usually still have symptoms. This is because the bacteria have already done damage to your body.

Whooping cough can sometimes be very serious and require treatment in the hospital.

Can whooping cough be prevented?

Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. There are two vaccines in the United States that can help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Babies and other people at high risk serious disease should be kept away from people who have whooping cough.

Sometimes health care providers give antibiotics to family members of people who have had whooping cough or people who have been exposed to it. The antibiotics may prevent them from getting the disease.

You may also help prevent the spread of whooping cough (and other respiratory diseases) by

• Washing your hands often with soap and water. You can use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch, including toys
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, not hands
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans.

Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.

Babies can get whooping cough from family or caregivers who don’t know they have it.

The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air. When a person who has whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they can release small particles with the bacteria in them. Other people then breathe in the bacteria. It also spreads when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space, like when you hold a newborn on your chest.

People can be contagious for weeks

People can spread the bacteria from the start of the very first symptoms and for at least 2 weeks after coughing begins.

Taking antibiotics early in the illness may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.

People can spread the disease even if they don’t know they have it

Some people have mild symptoms and don’t know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria to others.

Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don’t know they have it. Learn what you can do to protect babies from whooping cough.

Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.

Symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within 5 to 10 days after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause it. Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks.

Early symptoms: Stage 1

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)
• Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children

In its early stages, whooping cough appears to be nothing more than the common cold. Therefore, doctors often do not suspect or diagnose it until the more severe symptoms appear.

Later symptoms: Stage 2

One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop paroxysms—rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits generally get worse and become more common as the illness continues.

Coughing fits can cause people to

• Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they are finally able to inhale at the end of a coughing fit
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
• Struggle to breathe

Babies may struggle to breathe, while teens and adults usually have mild symptoms

Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead it may cause apnea and turn blue or struggle to breathe. It may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just the beginning.

The infection is generally milder in teens and adults than in babies and children, especially those who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough. It may seem like a common cold. The “whoop” is often not there for people who have a milder illness.

However, teens and adults can have serious cases of whooping cough. Teens and adults, especially those who did not get whooping cough vaccines, may have lengthy coughing fits that keep them up at night. Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives. It can also cause major disruptions to daily life and serious complications.

Vaccinated people may not get as sick

Whooping cough vaccines are effective, but not perfect. The infection is usually not as bad for people who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough but still get sick.

In vaccinated people who get whooping cough:

• The cough usually won’t last as many days
• Coughing fits, whooping, and vomiting after coughing fits are less common
• Apnea and cyanosis are less common (in vaccinated babies and children)

CDC recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages. Learn more about whooping cough vaccination.

Recovery: Stage 3

Recovery from whooping cough can be slow. The cough becomes milder and less common as you get better.

Coughing fits may stop for a while but can return if you get other respiratory infections. Coughing fits can return many months after the whooping cough illness started.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you or your child are:

• Struggling to breathe
• Turning blue or purple
• Coughing violently
• Coughing rapidly, over and over
• Not drinking enough fluids

Any time someone is struggling to breathe, it is important to get them to a doctor right away.

Doctors diagnose whooping cough by considering if you have been in contact with someone who has whooping cough and by doing a

• History of typical signs and symptoms
• Physical exam
• Laboratory test of a mucus sample from the back of the throat
• Blood test

Doctors generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. There are several antibiotics available to treat whooping cough.

It’s very important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin.

Treating whooping cough early can

• Make the illness less serious
• Help prevent spreading the bacteria that cause it to others

Starting treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help even though most people will still have symptoms. By then, your body has gotten rid of the bacteria, but the symptoms are still there due to the damage already done to your body.

Managing symptoms at home

Manage whooping cough symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria to others.

• Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
• Keep your home free from irritants – as much as possible – that can trigger coughing, such as smoke, dust, and chemical fumes.
• Use a clean, cool mist humidifier to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Eat small meals every few hours to help prevent vomiting.
• Get plenty of fluids, including water, juices, and soups, and fruits to prevent dehydration (lack of fluids).
• Do not take cough medicine unless your doctor recommends them. Giving cough medicine probably will not help and is often not recommended for children younger than 4 years old.

Report signs of dehydration to your doctor immediately.

Signs of dehydration include

• Dry, sticky mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Thirst
• Decreased urination or fewer wet diapers
• Few or no tears when crying
• Muscle weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Getting treatment in a hospital

Whooping cough can sometimes be very serious and can cause complications, especially for babies. People with serious illness or complications need care in the hospital. About a third of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.

Hospital treatment of whooping cough usually focuses on

• Keeping breathing passages clear. This may require suctioning (drawing out) mucus.
• Monitoring breathing and giving oxygen, if needed.
• Preventing or treating dehydration. People might need intravenous (IV, through the vein) fluids if they show signs of dehydration or have difficulty eating.

Whooping cough (pertussis) can cause complications in people of all ages. Some people will get serious complications and need care in the hospital.

Serious and sometimes deadly complications are more likely in babies under a year old.

Babies and children

Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes deadly complications in babies and young children. Babies and children who have not had all recommended whooping cough vaccines are more likely to get serious complications.

About one third of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. The younger the baby, the more likely they will need treatment in the hospital.

Of those babies younger than 1 year old who are treated in the hospital with whooping cough about:

• 2 in 3 (68%) will have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing)
• 1 in 5 (22%) get pneumonia (lung infection)
• 1 in 50 (2%) will have convulsions (violent, uncontrolled shaking)
• 1 in 150 (0.6%) will have encephalopathy (disease of the brain)
• 1 in 100 (1%) will die

Teens and adults

Teens and adults can also get complications, like pneumonia, from whooping cough.

If they have a severe cough, teens and adults can

• Pass out
• Fracture (break) a rib
• Lose bladder control
• Lose weight

Complications are usually less serious in this older age group, especially in those who have been vaccinated against whooping cough. However, if complications are serious, some people may need care in the hospital.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that’s making a comeback in the United States.

Learn what you can do to protect yourself and others.

Vaccines

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated.

Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria. These vaccines cannot give you whooping cough, tetanus, or diphtheria.

Learn more about whooping cough vaccination, including who should get which vaccine and when.

Preventive antibiotics

Preventive antibiotics, also known as postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis (PEP), are medicines given to someone that has been exposed to a harmful bacteria in order to help prevent them from getting sick.

Doctors and local health departments generally determine who should get preventive antibiotics. For people exposed to whooping cough, CDC recommends preventive antibiotics only if they:

• Live with the person who has been diagnosed with whooping cough.
• Are at increased risk for serious disease (e.g., babies, people with certain medical conditions) or will have close contact with someone who is at increased risk for serious disease (e.g., women in their third trimester of pregnancy, people who work with or care for high risk individuals).

If you’ve been exposed to the bacteria that cause whooping cough, talk to your doctor about whether you need preventive antibiotics. This is especially important if there is a baby or pregnant woman in your household or you plan to have contact with a baby or pregnant woman.

Good hygiene

CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses.

Cover your cough or sneeze

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw away used tissues in the waste basket right away.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Never cough into your hands because you can spread germs this way.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Temporary immunity after getting sick

People who have had whooping cough have some natural immunity (protection) to future whooping cough infections. Getting sick with whooping cough doesn’t provide lifelong protection.

CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination even if you have had the disease before, since natural immunity fades and does not offer lifelong protection.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be a serious disease for people of all ages but especially for babies. Whooping cough vaccines offer the best protection against this very contagious disease. 

Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your whooping cough vaccines.

Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

CDC recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages

The vaccine recommended for someone depends on their age.

• Babies and young children should get five shots of DTaP between the ages of 2 months and 6 years.
• Older children and teens should get one shot of Tdap between the ages of 11 and 12 years.
• Women should get Tdap during the early part of the 3 trimester of each pregnancy.
• All adults who have never received one should get a shot of Tdap.

Whooping cough vaccines are safe

Most people who get a whooping cough vaccine do not have any serious problems with it. However, side effects can occur. Most side effects are mild, meaning they do not affect daily activities.

Learn about the most common side effects of whooping cough vaccines:

• DTaP vaccine information
• Tdap vaccine information