Are you unsure about whooping cough? Here’s what you should know
You may think that people don't talk about whooping cough as much as the flu or COVID-19. However, it is still important to think about. This is especially true if you have young children or a family history of asthma. Read on to find out why and what you can do about it.
Whooping cough in a nutshell
It's a highly contagious respiratory infection that can have serious effects. Whooping cough gets its name from the high-pitched ‘whoop’ sound that it makes when taking a breath in, although this sound is not always obvious.
Whooping cough can affect people of all ages. It's especially serious for babies under 12 months old because their delicate airways can be harmed by severe coughing fits.
There IS a vaccine!
Vaccination is especially important for many types of people, including:
- during each pregnancy
- for parents of newborns
- infants under 12 months
- people who work in close contact with infants and children
Whooping cough vaccination is free via the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for:1
- pregnant women (ideally between 20-32 weeks)
- children (aged 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years)
- adolescents (aged 12-13 years through school-based vaccination programs)
- eligible people under 20 years old and refugees/other humanitarian entrants of any age can get a free booster
Whooping cough vaccination is effective
Vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective.^^ In fact, vaccinating during pregnancy reduces whooping cough disease in babies aged less than three months by over 90%.^ This is so important, as babies under six months old are the most at-risk group…even though adults more commonly spread the infection.†
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
There are always specific symptoms. Look for these distinct phases of whooping cough symptoms.‡*
1. Phase one symptoms are like a cold. This is the most infectious period. You may:
- have a blocked or runny nose
- have a mild fever
- feel generally tired and unwell
2. Following this, phase two symptoms develop. You’re likely to experience:
- defined, persistent, intense coughing fits which may worsen at night
- many weeks – even months – of these bouts
When caring for someone, these symptoms are not easy to watch. Very young babies may pause their breathing rather than cough, while children and infants may gag after a fit subsides. Anytime someone is struggling to breathe, it’s essential to get urgent care.
3. Phase three is the recovery period, which may last months
What if I’m not hearing the “whoop” sound?
It may still be pertussis. While whooping cough does get its name from the high-pitched gasp children and babies make when drawing in air after a coughing fit, adults may not present with this sound. It doesn’t mean a persistent cough isn’t pertussis, so ask your GP.
How do I know if it’s whooping cough or croup?
Both mainly affect children, so what’s the difference? If you are unsure, always ask your GP. Here are some general tendencies:
Croup produces a harsh “barking” cough, and children make a squeaky noise when they breathe.
The pertussis cough itself sounds “normal”. However, these coughs occur in long, continuous bouts. Your child may make the characteristic high-pitched wheezing noise when they quickly breathe in before the next fit.
How do you treat whooping cough?2
Antibiotics – After five days of antibiotics or three weeks of coughing, the infectious period is over. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics to children and adults to shorten the infectious period. However, antibiotics won’t always lessen the symptoms.
Relief from symptoms – Bedrest, plenty of fluids and avoiding smoke are your go-tos during the recovery period.
Hospital – This is usually necessary for infants under six months old who have not finished their course of vaccinations.
What can I do to protect my family from whooping cough?
It all comes down to vaccination and isolation. Here are six situations to keep in mind.
- Are you pregnant? Book your free vaccination anytime between 20-32 weeks. Your booster passes antibodies onto your unborn baby to help protect them until their vaccinations are complete.
- Do you have a child under four? Ensure they complete their free routine whooping cough vaccinations. Ask your GP or Pharmacist if your child is up to date.
- Have you had a booster in 10 years? If not, book your booster to help defend your family.
- Is there an outbreak at daycare or school? Keep your child at home until advised otherwise.
- Do you have asthma in the family? Whooping cough can be stealthy. Asthmatics are up to 4 times more likely to get whooping cough3 and 40% more likely to need to go to hospital.3 Boost your family's defence by booking vaccinations for the asthmatic and those who care for them.
- Has someone in your circle got whooping cough? Wait until your doctor advises before seeing them again.
General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.
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