What should you know about bacteria pertussis?

Pertussis spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can begin like a mild cold, then develop into repeated coughing fits, sometimes followed by a high-pitched intake of breath or vomiting. Babies may pause breathing or feed poorly without producing a classic whoop. A cough can continue for a long time because the airways remain irritated, even after the person no longer feels generally ill. A cough alone does not prove pertussis.

Arrange prompt clinical assessment, especially for a baby, pregnant person, or someone in close contact with an infant. Antibiotic treatment may reduce spread and is most useful when started early; take it exactly as prescribed. Cover coughs, wash hands, improve ventilation, and follow local advice about staying away from school, work, or childcare. Childhood immunisation lowers the risk of severe illness and helps protect vulnerable contacts.

Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, repeated vomiting with inability to drink, extreme drowsiness, or a child who cannot feed. Seek same-day medical advice for coughing fits, a fever, or a cough after close exposure to pertussis, because treatment and contact advice may be time-sensitive.

Ask whether testing is suitable, when you can safely return to close-contact settings, whether household members need preventive treatment, and whether immunisations are up to date.