Bordetella pertussis characteristics explained

Pertussis often begins like a mild respiratory illness, with runny nose, tiredness, and a low-grade temperature or no [Fever](/symptoms/fever/). The cough can then become intense, arrive in bouts, and trigger gagging or vomiting. Some people make a whooping sound when breathing in; others do not, especially adults.

Coughing fits can disturb sleep and leave the chest or abdominal muscles sore. Babies may show breathing pauses, poor feeding, or unusual quietness rather than a classic whoop. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact.

Contact a clinician when a cough is prolonged, comes in violent bursts, follows exposure to pertussis, or affects feeding or sleep. Keep the person away from vulnerable contacts until a clinician explains when transmission risk has fallen. Cover coughs, wash hands, and ventilate shared spaces.

Vaccination lowers the risk of severe disease but does not make every cough harmless. Review [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) with your healthcare professional.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey colouring, breathing pauses, fainting, confusion, inability to keep fluids down, or a baby who is struggling to feed. A rapidly worsening [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the pattern fits pertussis, whether testing is useful now, how long close-contact precautions should last, and whether household members need advice or treatment.