Pertussis 101
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis or whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a bacteria.
Whooping cough can be even more severe for babies younger than 1 and people with other medical conditions.
What symptoms should I watch for?
At first, a person with whooping cough might seem like they have a cold. Early symptoms (1-2 weeks):
- Runny or stuffed
- Low-grade fever
- Mild, occassional cough
Later symptoms:
Coughing fits that usually last 1-6 weeks or even up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits can cause people to:
- Make a high-pitched whoop when they inhale after a coughing fit.
- Vomit during or after coughing fits
- Feeling very tired
- Difficulty sleeping
- Struggle to breathe
- Vomiting
Babies may not have a cough and may have apnea which is a pause in breathing. For some babies, whooping cough may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just at the beginning.
What should I do if I think I have pertussis?
Great news: pertussis is treatable with antibiotics but early diagnosis and treatment are key!
Contact your healthcare provider’s office if you think you may have pertussis
What if I was around someone who had pertussis?
Sometimes people who have been exposed to pertussis need to be treated as well to help prevent infection.
Contact your healthcare provider’s office if you have been exposed to pertussis because some people should be treated with antibiotics to help prevent illness.
You may also be notified by the Health Department that you have been exposed to pertussis.
How can I help stop the spread of pertussis?
Stay home if you are sick: Talk to your healthcare provider or the Health Department about how long you need to stay home if you have pertussis.
Make sure you are up to date on your vaccines: Being up to date on your DTaP or Tdap vaccine is the best way to help prevent getting pertussis.
