Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Expert advice on recognition, prevention and care for pertussis. Find guidance on vaccination, exposure management and when to seek urgent medical help.
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Whooping Cough
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Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It typically begins with mild cold-like symptoms—runny nose, sneezing and a low fever—then progresses to severe coughing fits that can end in a high-pitched 'whoop' or vomiting. Infants and unvaccinated people are at highest risk of serious complications, including pneumonia, seizures and breathing difficulties. Early recognition and prompt medical advice can reduce risks; antibiotics given early may lessen contagiousness. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention, with booster doses recommended for ongoing protection.
Vaccination protects the most vulnerable
Vaccination and Boosters
Vaccination is the cornerstone of preventing whooping cough. Routine childhood immunisations dramatically reduce the likelihood of severe disease. Pregnant women are advised to receive a booster during pregnancy to protect newborns via passive antibodies. Adolescents and adults may need booster doses, especially if they will be in close contact with infants or pregnant people. If you are unsure about vaccination status, our pharmacists can review records, explain options and refer you to appropriate local services for immunisation.
Practical steps if exposed or symptomatic
Managing Exposure and Symptoms
If you suspect whooping cough, seek advice promptly. Antibiotics can be prescribed to reduce contagiousness and may be recommended for close contacts, particularly in households with infants or pregnant women. Supportive care for coughing includes staying hydrated, resting and avoiding irritants. People with prolonged or severe cough, difficulty breathing, high fever or poor feeding (infants) should get immediate medical attention. Our service can help you understand next steps, provide information on testing and liaise with your GP if necessary.
Vaccination prevents severe disease
Early antibiotics reduce spread
Infants face highest risk
Seek urgent care for breathing trouble
Symptoms
Early cold-like signs progressing to severe coughing fits.
Prevention
Vaccination and boosters protect infants and communities.
When to Seek Help
Breathing problems, persistent high fever or feeding issues.
Key Points
Whooping cough spreads easily via respiratory droplets and can affect anyone, though severity is highest in newborns and those not fully vaccinated. Symptoms often start like a cold and progress into prolonged coughing fits that can lead to vomiting, exhaustion and breathing difficulties. Timely antibiotics decrease the chance of passing the infection to others; they are most effective when started early. Immunisation schedules for children and booster doses for adults, including during pregnancy, are central to community protection. If exposure is suspected, contact healthcare services for testing and advice.
Highly contagious respiratory infection
Infants at greatest complication risk
Vaccination is the best prevention
Antibiotics reduce transmission if early
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pertussis
What causes whooping cough?
Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which infects the respiratory tract and spreads through coughs and sneezes.
How is it prevented?
Prevention relies on vaccination (routine childhood immunisations and boosters), good respiratory hygiene and early treatment of cases to limit spread.
When should I seek medical help?
Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, blue lips, poor feeding in infants, high fever or if coughing spells are severe and prolonged.
Can antibiotics help?
Yes. Antibiotics, when given early, reduce contagiousness and may lessen disease severity in some cases; close contacts may also be offered prophylaxis.
Is the vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes. A whooping cough booster during pregnancy helps protect the newborn via transferred antibodies and is routinely recommended in many immunisation programs.
Clear guidance when you need it
Practical Support and Advice
Our pharmacists can review symptoms, advise on testing and vaccination, and explain when antibiotics or urgent medical attention are necessary. We provide tailored information for parents, pregnant people and carers of vulnerable adults. If you suspect exposure in a household with an infant, contact healthcare services promptly. We are here to help with practical next steps and to signpost local immunisation services.