Diphtheria and whooping cough: what to know

Diphtheria may produce a toxin that causes a severe throat illness and can affect other organs. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, commonly causes repeated bouts of coughing that may make breathing difficult, particularly in babies. A cough is a common presentation of whooping cough, but cough can have many causes and does not identify the infection by itself. Fever may occur with infection, although its pattern varies. The two illnesses require different clinical decisions even though combination vaccines can help prevent them.

Arrange medical advice for a persistent or worsening cough, a sore throat with marked swelling, or contact with a confirmed case. Keep infants away from people with active coughing until a clinician gives advice, and ask about immunisation for household members. Details about whooping cough are available at [Whooping Cough](/conditions/whooping-cough/). Antibiotics may reduce spread or treat a diagnosed bacterial illness when prescribed; see [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/).

Seek emergency help for blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe breathing difficulty, inability to swallow, drooling, confusion, or exhaustion after coughing. Babies with feeding difficulty or breathing changes need prompt assessment. A high or persistent fever, dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms also warrants urgent advice. For symptom background, see [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) and [Fever](/symptoms/fever/).

Ask which illness is suspected, whether testing or isolation is needed, how to protect babies at home, and whether close contacts need preventive treatment. Check whether your immunisation record is complete.