Mar 24, 2025 /
Colds & Illnesses
What is Pertussis and Why is it Going Around?
It’s respiratory season, and that means the flu, the common cold, and many other respiratory illnesses are going around. But if you’ve seen (or more likely heard) someone with a persistent hacking cough or coughing fits, there’s a chance it’s pertussis.
More commonly known as whooping cough, pertussis is circulating around our schools and communities. And more and more kids are showing up in pediatric offices with pertussis symptoms. While it can be alarming, the more you know, the better you can protect against the illness and care for your kids.
Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. While many common respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses, pertussis is caused by the bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough gets its nickname from the “whoop” sound that happens when someone is trying to catch their breath between the telltale coughing fits that come with the infection.
Symptoms of whooping cough usually start mild like a common cold, including a runny nose, congestion, and a fever. However, symptoms typically get worse after a week or two. Older kids may make the “whoop” sound when they cough or have drooling or shortness of breath. In young infants, the “whoop” sound or cough may not be as obvious. They may have difficulty breathing, appear to be gasping for air, vomit after coughing fits, or just stop breathing.
Pertussis is highly contagious. When someone with pertussis coughs, bacteria spread through droplets in the air, which can then be inhaled by other people. It can also spread on surfaces contaminated with bacteria. People who are sick with pertussis can be contagious for up to 2-3 weeks after the cough begins.
Although there is a vaccine which protects against pertussis, pertussis infections have been on the rise for a couple reasons. First, immunity naturally wanes but vaccine rates are also lower and have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. This leaves more children at risk for getting pertussis, including older kids who have been vaccinated but not yet received their booster.
The best way to protect your family against pertussis is to get kids vaccinated early. Children receive the DTaP (diptheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine in a series of five doses by age 6. Since immunity decreases by age 11 or 12, a booster is needed to help maintain protection. Teens and adults who have never had the booster should get it, including pregnant women.
If someone in your family has whooping cough, help reduce the spread by washing hands frequently with warm water and soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. You can also disinfect surfaces often to ensure that bacteria don’t spread. Household family members or close contacts should also get antibiotics from their medical provider to help prevent the spread of the illness, even if they are already vaccinated.
Call or visit your pediatrician if you suspect your child has whooping cough or has been exposed to someone with it, even if they are fully vaccinated against pertussis. This is especially important if your child has long coughing fits and:
Seek medical care right away if your child has trouble breathing, has pauses in breathing, seems very sluggish, or shows signs of dehydration. If your child is diagnosed with pertussis, an antibiotic is needed for treatment. Your pediatric doctor may also recommend other forms of home treatment to help alleviate symptoms, such as rest, plenty of fluids, and a humidifier.
Pertussis is an unusual name that comes with a cough that can sound even more concerning. Although there is an antibiotic for treatment, the symptoms of whooping cough are never fun to deal with. Take necessary precautions, keep kids home from school or daycare until they’ve finished their antibiotic course, and call your pediatrician with any questions. Together, you can develop a plan to prevent illness, manage symptoms, and help your child feel better fast.
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