What is Pertussis

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is an infection that causes severe and sudden coughing attacks. Pertussis spreads easily from person to person (is contagious).

It spreads through the droplets that are sprayed in the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Symptoms of pertussis can last for up to 6 weeks, even though the cough starts to get better. It may take as long as 6 months for the cough to go away completely.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by bacteria. The bacteria can spread to someone when he or she:

• Inhales droplets that have been sprayed in the air by an infected person.
• Touches a surface where the droplets fell and then touches his or her mouth or nose.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include cold-like symptoms, such as:

• A runny nose.
• Low fever.
• Mild cough.
• Red, watery eyes.

These symptoms develop at the beginning of the infection. After 1–2 weeks, the cold symptoms get better, but the cough worsens, and severe and sudden coughing attacks frequently develop. During these attacks, people may cough so hard that vomiting occurs.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed by:

• A physical exam.
• Lab tests of mucus from the nose and throat.
• A blood test.
• A chest X-ray.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with antibiotic medicines.

• Starting antibiotics quickly may help shorten the illness and make it less contagious.
• Antibiotics may also be prescribed for everyone who lives in the same household.

Mild coughing may continue for months after the infection is treated. This coughing may be due to the remaining soreness and inflammation in the lungs.

Immunization may be recommended for people in the household who are at risk of developing pertussis. At-risk groups include:

• Infants.
• Those who have not had their full course of pertussis immunizations.
• Those who were immunized but have not had their recent booster shot.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Do not take cough medicine unless told by your health care provider.

Coughing attack

• If you are having a coughing attack:
  • Raise (elevate) the head of your mattress or raise your head with pillows to improve breathing. This will also make it easier to clear out mucus that is brought up from the lungs to the throat during a cough (sputum).
  • Sit upright.
• Avoid substances that may irritate the lungs, such as smoke, aerosols, or fumes. These substances may make your coughing worse.
• Use a cool mist humidifier at home to increase air moisture. This will soothe your cough and help to loosen sputum. Do not use hot steam.

Prevent infection

• For the first 5 days of antibiotic treatment, stay away from those who are at risk of developing pertussis. If no antibiotics are prescribed, stay at home for the first 3 weeks that you are coughing or as told by your health care provider.
• Do not go to work until you have been treated with antibiotics for 5 days. If no antibiotics are prescribed, do not go to work for the first 3 weeks that you are coughing or as told by your health care provider. Tell your workplace that you were diagnosed with pertussis.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Everyone in your household should also wash hands often to avoid spreading the infection. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

General instructions

• Rest as much as possible. Slowly go back to your normal activities as told by your health care provider.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

• Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccine and later booster shots.
• The pertussis vaccine is given during childhood.
• If you are an adult who was never vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• If you are an adult who was previously vaccinated, talk with your health care providers about the need for a booster shot because immunity from the vaccine decreases over time.
• All of the following people should consider receiving a booster dose of pertussis:
  • Pregnant women.
  • Everyone who has or will have close contact with an infant who is less than 12 months old.
  • All health care personnel.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You cannot stop vomiting.
• You are not able to eat or drink.
• Your cough does not improve.
• You have a fever.

Get help right away if:

• Your face turns red or blue during a coughing attack.
• You pass out after a coughing attack, even if only for a few moments.
• Your breathing stops for a period of time (apnea).
• You are restless or cannot sleep.
• You feel sluggish or you are sleeping too much.