Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious, especially in the first week or two of infection, when many people are unaware that they have it. The bacterium spreads through coughing and sneezing, so it’s very important that infected individuals stay home from daycare, school, or work. Because the illness is so easily spread, doctors may recommend that an entire family be put on antibiotics even if just one family member has a confirmed case of whooping cough.
Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious, especially in the first week or two of infection, when many people are unaware that they have it. The bacterium spreads through coughing and sneezing, so it’s very important that infected individuals stay home from daycare, school, or work. Because the illness is so easily spread, doctors may recommend that an entire family be put on antibiotics even if just one family member has a confirmed case of whooping cough.