What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory tract infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is a… [more]
Is whooping cough becoming more prevalent?
Yes. The number of cases has been increasing over the past 30 years, especially in teens and infants younger than… [more]
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The symptoms of whooping cough depend on the stage of the illness. On average, symptoms appear 7-10 days after being… [more]
Who is at risk for whooping cough?
The following groups are most at risk for catching whooping cough:
Infants and children who have not received the DTaP… [more]
Is whooping cough contagious?
Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious, especially in the first week or two of infection, when many people are unaware… [more]
How is whooping cough diagnosed?
Your doctor may do several tests to confirm a diagnosis of whooping cough or to check for complications related to… [more]
How is whooping cough treated?
Whooping cough treatment depends on the stage of illness and the severity of symptoms. Antibiotics often are given to help… [more]
How long does whooping cough last?
The first stage lasts about 1-2 weeks. The second stage, when coughing is most severe, can last 1-6 weeks. The… [more]
Can whooping cough be prevented?
Yes. The DTaP vaccine has been very effective in preventing the contraction and spread of whooping cough in the United… [more]
Should adults be worried about getting whooping cough?
Yes. Although the illness is less severe in this age group, teens and adults can unknowingly infect infants and children,… [more]
When should I seek medical care?
Whooping cough is extremely contagious, so see your doctor if you believe you or your child is infected. Also see… [more]
Can whooping cough cause other medical problems?
Yes, but complications related to whooping cough are most common with infants and young children. Complications in infants and young… [more]
More information about whooping cough
More information on Whooping Cough may be found by following the links on this page. [more]