Whooping Cough Is Back: Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing

Whooping cough (pertussis) is making a comeback in many communities. Once thought to be largely controlled by vaccination, the disease is now resurging due to a combination of factors. While most cases are treatable, early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care can prevent serious complications. Below is what you need to know.

What Is Whooping Cough?

• Caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis
• Spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Can affect people of any age but is most dangerous in infants and young children
• Often begins like a common cold before escalating into severe coughing fits

Why Is Whooping Cough Resurfacing?

1. Waning Vaccine Immunity

   • Immunity from the childhood vaccine decreases over time.
   • Boosters are recommended for adolescents and adults but are sometimes missed.

2. Cyclical Patterns

   • Pertussis tends to peak every 3–5 years, even in well-vaccinated populations.

3. Incomplete Vaccination

   • Gaps in childhood immunization allow the bacteria to circulate.

4. Atypical Presentations

   • Adults and teens may have mild or unusual symptoms, making cases harder to spot.

Stages and Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing

Whooping cough unfolds in three stages. Not everyone experiences every symptom, and the "whoop" sound may be absent, especially in older patients.

1. Catarrhal Stage (1–2 Weeks)

• Low-grade fever
• Mild runny nose and sneezing
• Irritating cough that gradually worsens
• General fatigue

2. Paroxysmal Stage (1–6 Weeks, Sometimes Longer)

• Sudden, intense coughing fits (paroxysms)
• A high-pitched "whoop" on inhalation in children
• Post-cough vomiting or gagging
• Facial flushing or bulging eyes during a fit
• Extreme exhaustion after coughing spells

3. Convalescent Stage (Weeks to Months)

• Cough gradually decreases in frequency and severity
• Lingering tiredness
• Occasional coughing fits triggered by laughter, cold air or exertion

Examples of What Doctors Are Observing Today

• Infants under 6 months:
  • Apnea (pauses in breathing) instead of typical coughing
  • Poor feeding and weight loss
  • Risk of pneumonia, seizures or brain injury

• Toddlers and young children:
  • Classic "whoop" cough more common
  • High fever is less common; cough severity varies

• Adolescents and adults:
  • Often present with a persistent dry cough lasting weeks
  • May mistake it for bronchitis or asthma
  • Can still spread the infection to unvaccinated infants

Who's at Highest Risk?

• Babies too young to complete the full vaccine series
• Pregnant women who haven't received a booster in the third trimester
• Adults whose last booster was more than 10 years ago
• People with weakened immune systems
• Households with mixed vaccination status

Potential Complications

While most healthy teens and adults recover, whooping cough can be serious:

• Pneumonia
• Dehydration (from vomiting after coughing)
• Rib fractures from severe coughing
• Ear infections
• In infants: life-threatening pauses in breathing, brain damage

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you or someone you know experiences:

• Coughing fits that make it hard to breathe or drink
• Blue-tinged face or lips during coughing spells
• Pauses in breathing (apnea)
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination)
• Fever that worsens or doesn't improve

What You Can Do Right Now

• Confirm vaccination status for your family and schedule boosters as needed
• Practice good hand hygiene and cover coughs
• Isolate anyone with suspected whooping cough until a doctor evaluates them
• If you're concerned about persistent coughing or other respiratory symptoms, use a free AI symptom checker to quickly assess whether you should seek medical care
• Keep infants and unvaccinated individuals away from anyone with a prolonged cough

Treatment Overview

• Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin) can shorten contagiousness if started early
• Supportive care:
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Rest in a calm environment
  • Humidified air to ease breathing
• Hospitalization for high-risk patients (especially infants)

Preventing Spread

• Vaccinate on schedule: DTaP for children, Tdap boosters for teens and adults
• Pregnant women should get Tdap between weeks 27–36 of each pregnancy
• Encourage visitors to newborns to show proof of immunization or wear a mask
• Stay home until at least 5 days of appropriate antibiotics or 3 weeks after cough onset (if untreated)

Final Thoughts

Whooping cough is a serious respiratory infection that has returned to many areas. Recognizing the stages and key symptoms can help you act quickly. If you're ever uncertain or notice signs that could be life-threatening—such as difficulty breathing, persistent high fever or dehydration—please speak to a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment not only protect you but also those around you.

Stay informed, stay up to date on vaccinations, and don't hesitate to seek medical advice for unusual or severe symptoms.