What should you know about etiology of whooping cough?

The infection can begin like a mild cold, then develop into repeated, forceful coughing bouts. Some people make a high-pitched sound when breathing in after a bout, while babies may have pauses in breathing rather than a noticeable whoop. Coughing can continue after the bacteria have reduced because the airways remain sensitive.

Spread is more likely during close contact with an infected person, especially indoors. Vaccination lowers the chance of illness but does not make every cough a sign of whooping cough.

Arrange a clinical assessment if a cough is severe, comes in repeated bouts, causes vomiting, or follows contact with a confirmed case. Testing may involve a nose or throat sample, depending on how long symptoms have been present.

Stay home while acutely unwell, cover coughs, wash hands, and avoid close contact with babies and pregnant people until a clinician advises that it is safe. Antibiotics may reduce spread when started at the right stage; they do not always stop the cough immediately. Check that household immunisations are up to date.

Seek urgent help for blue or grey lips, struggling to breathe, repeated breathing pauses, unusual drowsiness, dehydration, or a child who cannot recover between coughing bouts. Babies, older adults, and people with lung disease can become seriously unwell quickly and should be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the pattern of coughing needs testing, whether close contacts need preventive treatment, how long to avoid work or school, and which immunisations are due. Mention the age of anyone exposed, because protection is especially important for young infants.