How long does whooping cough last?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, may begin like a mild cold with a runny nose and cough. The cough can then become forceful and occur in repeated bouts; a high-pitched intake of breath may follow, although not everyone makes this sound. Coughing can disturb sleep, trigger vomiting, and leave the chest or stomach muscles sore. Infants may have pauses in breathing rather than a typical whoop. Recovery is often gradual, with bouts becoming less frequent over time.

Arrange an assessment if whooping cough is suspected, particularly when the patient is a baby, pregnant, or in close contact with an infant. Follow the prescribed antibiotic treatment instructions if offered; early treatment can reduce spread even when the cough takes longer to settle. Offer fluids, allow quiet rest, and avoid smoke or other airway irritants. Keep distance from vulnerable people until a clinician confirms the safe return to normal contact.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, repeated pauses in breathing, severe exhaustion, dehydration, or a child who cannot feed. Seek prompt advice when coughing causes repeated vomiting, the cough is worsening, or fever returns after improvement. Vaccination history can affect household risk and should be discussed with a clinician.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long isolation should last, and whether household members need preventive advice or a childhood immunisation review.