Whooping cough in kids: Is your child protected?

Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory illness that easily spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It's marked by a series of short, violent coughs. Sometimes these coughs are followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like a "whoop."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors and tracks cases of whooping cough in the U.S. Preliminary data shows that the number of cases of whooping cough in 2024 is already six times the number of cases in 2023. Experts believe this significant rise is due to a "waning immunity" in adults and teens.

"Everyone should get fully vaccinated to help prevent whooping cough. And adults and pregnant women need booster shots because vaccines given in childhood do not provide lifelong immunity," says Jeffrey Kahn M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Kahn shares common signs and symptoms of whooping cough in kids and how to keep your family protected against this highly contagious disease.

What causes whooping cough and how does it spread?

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. This bacteria sticks to the lining of the airways and releases toxins, which make the airways swollen and irritated, causing coughing fits.

It spreads through tiny droplets in the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. It is very contagious, especially during the first few weeks of the illness.

What are the signs and symptoms of whooping cough in kids?

Whooping cough often starts with symptoms similar to a cold, but it gets worse over time. The main symptoms include:

• Early stage:
  • Secreción nasal
  • Fiebre leve
  • Estornudos
  • Mild cough
• Severe stage:
  • Fits of rapid, violent coughing, sometimes ending in a “whoop” sound
  • Vómitos después de toser
  • Exhaustion after coughing fits

Babies under 6 months may have different symptoms. Instead of coughing, they may have pauses in breathing (called apnea) or struggle to breathe. For babies, whooping cough can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

A doctor can usually tell if someone has whooping cough by asking about their symptoms and doing a physical exam. To confirm, they might take a sample of mucus from the nose or throat to test for the bacteria. Other tests, like X-rays or blood work, can rule out other illnesses.

How long does whooping cough last?

Whooping cough often happens in three stages:

1. Early stage (1-2 weeks): This includes mild symptoms and occasional coughing.
2. Severe coughing stage (1-6 weeks): Fits of coughing begin. Some people vomit or feel very tired after coughing.
3. Recovery stage (2-3 weeks or more): Coughing slowly gets better but can still come back if triggered by exercise or other irritants.

"The cough due to pertussis can last weeks or months. Some people refer to it as the 'cough of 100 days.' So anyone who has a persistent cough should be evaluated by a doctor," says Dr. Kahn.

How do you treat whooping cough?

Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough. They work best when started early and can also prevent the illness from spreading to others. Babies and people with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital for extra care, like oxygen or fluids.

How do you prevent whooping cough?

The best way to protect against whooping cough is with vaccines. There are two types:

• DTaP vaccine: Protects young children. The CDC recommends five doses, given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and before a child enters school at age 4-6 years.
• Tdap booster: Given to older kids, adults, and pregnant women. Kids should get one dose at 11-12 years old, and adults need a booster every 10 years. Pregnant women should get a dose in the third trimester to protect their baby.

Vaccines help prevent serious complications, especially in babies.

Why is it important to prevent whooping cough?

There are several reasons why it's important to prevent the spread of whooping cough, including:

• Whooping cough can be deadly. This is especially true for young babies who have not yet received all their vaccinations.
• It's very contagious. Without immunity, 8 out of 10 people will get whooping cough if they're exposed to someone who has it. And once you have it, you can be contagious for weeks. So it's common for adults (who may not have a severe cough) to infect more susceptible infants and children.
• The violent fits of coughing can last for several months. This can cause soreness and pain in the ribs. It can also prevent getting good, restful sleep.

When to call the doctor

Call your pediatrician if your child has:

• Severe or ongoing coughing fits
• Trouble breathing or pauses in breathing
• Vómitos después de toser
• Signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers

Babies under 6 months are at the highest risk of serious complications and should see a doctor right away if they have any symptoms of whooping cough.

Vacúnese

Obtenga más información sobre por qué las vacunas son importantes para su hijo y encuentre un programa de vacunación recomendado. Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician to make sure your child is fully vaccinated.