What is pertussis

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Signs and Symptoms. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Pertussis in Babies. Related Page. Pertussis Frequently Asked Questions. Related Links. Early treatment is very important. It may make your infection less serious and can also help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Treatment after you have been sick for 3 weeks or longer may not help. The bacteria are gone from your body by then, even though you usually still have symptoms. This is because the bacteria have already done damage to your body.

Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Babies and other people at high risk serious disease should be kept away from people who have whooping cough.

Sometimes health care providers give antibiotics to family members of people who have had whooping cough or people who have been exposed to it.

The antibiotics may prevent them from getting the disease. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Whooping Cough Also called: Pertussis. Learn More Related Issues. Resources Find an Expert. For You Children Patient Handouts. What is whooping cough? What causes whooping cough? New York, N. Cornia P, et al. Pertussis infection in adolescents and adults: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis.

Yeh S. Pertussis infection in infants and children: Clinical features and diagnosis. Pertussis infection in infants and children: Treatment and prevention. Tdap Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis vaccine information statements. Postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis. Steckelberg JM expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Related Whooping cough. Associated Procedures Chest X-rays.

News from Mayo Clinic Whooping cough pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection Oct. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Coughing fits may happen off and on for weeks. Coughing fits may flare up if you get a cold or have a similar illness.

This stage may last longer if you have never had the vaccine. How is whooping cough diagnosed? How is it treated? To avoid spreading the illness: footnote 1 Children with whooping cough need to take antibiotics for at least 5 days before going back to daycare or school. If your child didn't take antibiotics, wait 21 days after the start of symptoms before sending your child to school or daycare. Adults or teens with whooping cough need to take antibiotics for at least 5 days before being near young children or going to work at a school, a daycare centre, or a health facility.

If your child has whooping cough: Create a quiet, calm, restful environment. Control possible triggers of coughing, such as smoke, dust, sudden noises or lights, and changes in temperature.

Give your child frequent, small sips of fluids and nutritious foods. Use a humidifier in your child's room. But watch closely to see its effect. Sometimes humidity makes coughing spells worse, in which case it should be avoided. Have your child who is age 1 year or older lie on his or her side or stomach rather than on the back.

If your baby is younger than 1 year old, talk to your baby's doctor about the best way to position your child. How can you prevent whooping cough?

References Citations American Academy of Pediatrics Pertussis whooping cough. In DW Kimberlin et al. Top of the page Next Section: Related Information. Previous Section: References Top of the page.