Whooping Cough is On the Rise. Here’s What Parents Should Know

Have you ever heard a cough that sounds like someone trying to bark and gasp for air at the same time? That's the signature sound of a serious respiratory virus, whooping cough, also called pertussis. It's a sneaky disease that can make kids really sick and end up with 1 out of 3 of them in the hospital. Lately, pertussis has been on the rise across the nation.

Naturally, parents are worried. Andrew Carlson, MD, Medical Director of Primary Care at Connecticut Children’s answers pressing questions parents and caregivers have right now about whooping cough.

Why the uptick in whooping cough cases? Is the pertussis vaccine not working?

Medical professionals blame COVID-19 for affecting illness patterns and causing vaccination rates to decline. Vaccination against pertussis is absolutely the best defense even though the vaccine can wear off over time, as most do.

There's a vaccine called DTaP that protects against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. It's very safe and effective—for kids and all adults, especially pregnant women. Please ask your pediatrician if you are unsure if your child is up to date.

Usually, kids get their DTaP vaccines:

At 2 months old, for the first time
Then again at 4, and 6, months
Then again between 15 and 18 months
Then again between 4 and 6 years old

Older kids will get a booster every 10 years.

What makes a whooping cough different than any other cough?

When a child becomes infected with pertussis, it makes their airways inflamed and swollen. This can make it hard to breathe. They’ll start coughing a lot, and the cough can be so forceful that it makes a high-pitched "whoop" sound – that's how whooping cough got its name.

>>Listen to this recording of whooping cough.

Besides the hallmark sound, what are the other symptoms of whooping cough?

It usually starts with a mild cough and runny nose, like a regular cold. But then, the cough gets worse and worse, and kids might start to feel tired and feverish.

Here's what to look out for:

A cough that gets worse over time
Coughing to the point of vomiting or turning blue
Runny nose
Fever
Difficulty breathing

Your pediatrician can diagnose pertussis with a simple nasal swab, similar to the infamous COVID test.

Is there an antibiotic for pertussis?

Yes. Your pediatrician may prescribe azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin. But if it’s been going on for a while, the bacteria might have already left the body and antibiotics might not be the best option at that point.

How long are you contagious with pertussis?

Individuals with pertussis are most contagious during the first two weeks after the onset of symptoms, especially in the early stages when it feels like a mild cold. Without treatment, a person can remain contagious for up to 21 days after the cough begins. However, with appropriate antibiotics, like azithromycin, the contagious period is reduced to about five days after starting the medication.

Can my child go to school with whooping cough?

Use your judgment and ask your doctor, as you would any other illness. If they aren’t feeling well, coughing every two seconds and visibly uncomfortable, they should stay home until they start to feel better.

Remember, everyone can do their part to protect themselves and others from whooping cough!

Whooping Cough is On the Rise. Here’s What Parents Should Know.