What should you know about causative agent of whooping cough?

Bordetella pertussis attaches to the lining of the airways and releases substances that irritate them. The illness may begin like a mild cold, then develop into repeated coughing bouts. A high-pitched intake of breath can follow a bout, although not every person makes this sound. Babies may have pauses in breathing rather than a typical cough. The cough can continue after the person otherwise feels better, and close contact can pass the bacterium to people who have not been protected.

Arrange medical advice for a persistent or worsening cough, especially after close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough. A clinician may use the illness pattern and a nose or throat sample to support diagnosis. Antibiotic treatment can reduce spread when started at an appropriate stage, but it may not immediately stop the cough. Keep babies away from people with a new cough, improve ventilation, cover coughs, and wash hands. Childhood immunisation is the main preventive measure.

Seek emergency help if a baby has pauses in breathing, turns blue or grey, struggles to breathe, cannot feed, or becomes unusually sleepy. For older children and adults, urgent assessment is needed for breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting with coughing, or signs of dehydration. Contact a clinician promptly if a cough is severe or occurs around a newborn, because early advice can help protect vulnerable household members.

Ask whether testing or antibiotic treatment is appropriate, how long close contacts should avoid vulnerable people, and whether household members need preventive advice. Confirm the next immunisation date if any dose is overdue.