Whooping cough (pertussis)

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory infection. It is very contagious and can make babies really sick. Vaccination is the best protection from severe illness.

Early symptoms

Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms that can include:


Runny or blocked nose


Dry cough


Mild fever and tiredness


Babies may have pauses in breathing

Later symptoms

As the disease progresses, the cough gets worse. Coughing fits can last up to 10 weeks or more, and include these symptoms:


Intense, rapid coughing followed by gasping and a 'whoop' sound


Vomiting or choking during or after coughing fits


Exhaustion after coughing fits


Babies may not feed well, or choke and gag

 

 

If your child can't breathe or turns blue - this is an emergency

Call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital emergency department now.

If you need advice, call your doctor or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (available 24 hours) and a nurse will answer your call.

Read the whooping cough (pertussis) fact sheet for more information.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory infection. It is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis.

The disease spreads easily from person to person through droplets made when coughing, sneezing or talking.

Premature infants and babies less than 6 months old are at the highest risk of getting very ill and it can be life-threatening.

What if I have symptoms of whooping cough?

  • Stay home. Children should not go to childcare or school. Work from home if possible.
  • Avoid contact with people at high risk of serious illness, including babies and pregnant women.
  • See or talk to your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic treatment.
  • Babies and infants may need treatment in hospital.
  • Practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing

How is whooping cough prevented?

The best protection against whooping cough is vaccination. It is recommended:

  • pregnant women should be vaccinated between 20 – 32 weeks of every pregnancy
  • babies and toddlers should be vaccinated at age 6 weeks, 4 months, 6 months and 18 months
  • children should receive a vaccine at 4 years old, and adolescents need a booster between 11 to 13 years old.

A booster is also recommended for:

  • adults aged 50 years and 65 years
  • childcare and healthcare workers every 10 years.
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Current as at: Wednesday 11 September 2024
Contact page owner: Vaccine Preventable Diseases