Because infants and toddlers are at greatest risk of complications from whooping cough, they're more likely to need treatment in a hospital. Complications can be life-threatening for infants younger than 6 months old. The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases — diphtheria and tetanus. Doctors recommend beginning vaccination during infancy.
Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild and may include a fever, crankiness, headache, fatigue or soreness at the site of the injection. If you've been exposed to someone who has whooping cough, your doctor may recommend antibiotics to protect against infection if you:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version.
This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Whooping cough pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Pertussis frequently asked questions. Two kinds of vaccines used today help protect against whooping cough, both of which also protect against other diseases:.
Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP, while older children and adults receive Tdap. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and pregnant women. Adults who have never received a dose of Tdap should also get vaccinated against pertussis.
Basic information for people interested in diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination The Tdap booster contains tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. If an adult did not get a Tdap as a preteen or teen, he or she should get a dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster.
All adults should get a Td booster every 10 years, but it can be given before the year mark. Pregnant women should have the booster late in the second trimester, or in the third trimester of each pregnancy. Always consult your health care provider for advice. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What are the symptoms of whooping cough? Symptoms of whooping cough may include: Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound Sneezing Nasal discharge Fever Sore, watery eyes Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks and can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
How is whooping cough diagnosed? What is the treatment for whooping cough? Specific treatment for whooping cough will be determined by your doctor, based on: Your overall health and medical history Extent of the condition Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the condition Your opinion or preference Antibiotics are typically given within 3 weeks of the onset of cough in babies over age 1 year, and within 6 weeks of the onset of cough in infants younger than 1 year.
Other treatment may include: Keeping warm Eating small, frequent meals Drinking plenty of fluids Reducing stimuli that may provoke coughing Hospitalization may be required in severe cases.
Pertussis can cause violent and rapid coughing, over and over, until the air is gone from your lungs. This extreme coughing can cause you to throw up and be very tired. Although you are often exhausted after a coughing fit, you usually appear fairly well in-between.
Coughing fits generally become more common and bad as the illness continues, and can occur more often at night.
The coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more. The infection is generally milder in teens and adults, especially those who have gotten the pertussis vaccine. View Larger Image image icon. Recovery from pertussis can happen slowly. The cough becomes milder and less common.
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