Whooping cough
Introduction
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.
It causes repeatedcoughing bouts that can last for twoto three months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill.
Whooping cough is spread inthe dropletsof the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
This page covers:
Stopping the infection spreading
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 20 Jan 2017
Introduction
Find out about the symptoms of whooping cough, who's at risk of the condition, when to get medical advice, and how it's treated.
Symptoms of whooping cough
The first symptomsof whooping cough aresimilar to those of a Cold , such asa runny nose,red and watery eyes,a sore throat , anda slightly raised temperature. Intensecoughing bouts start about a week
Who's at risk of whooping cough
Whooping cough can affect people of any age, including: babies and young children young babies under six months of age are at a particularly increased risk of complications of whooping cough old
When to get medical advice
See your GP orcall NHS 111 if you or your child: have symptoms ofwhooping cough havehad a cough for more than three weeks have a cough that is particularly severe or is getting worse Call 999 or
Treatment for whooping cough
Treatment for whooping cough depends on your ageand how long you've had the infection. Children under six months who are very ill and people with severe symptoms will usually be admitted to hospital
Stopping the infection spreading
If you or your child are taking antibiotics for whooping cough, you need to be careful not to spread the infection to others. Stay away from nursery, schoolor work until48 hours from the start of an
Vaccinations for whooping cough
There are three routine vaccinations that can protect babies and children from whooping cough: the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy this can protect your baby during the first few weeks of l
Complications of whooping cough
Babies and young children under six months are usually most severely affected by whooping cough. They're at anincreased risk of: dehydration breathing difficulties weight loss pneumonia an i
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