How common is fever in whooping cough?

Whooping cough often begins like a mild cold, with a runny nose and a small cough. The cough can then become repeated, forceful, and exhausting. Some people make a high-pitched sound when breathing in after a coughing bout, while others do not. Vomiting after coughing and difficulty catching the breath can also occur.

Fever may accompany whooping cough, but its absence does not exclude it. Fever by itself does not identify whooping cough because many respiratory infections can raise body temperature. A clinician may use the cough history, examination, and a test when appropriate.

Arrange medical advice for a cough that comes in violent bouts, causes vomiting, disturbs sleep, or is worsening instead of settling. Keep away from smoke and strong scents, take small drinks, and rest between coughing episodes. Avoid giving cough medicines to a child unless a healthcare professional advises it.

Whooping cough can spread through respiratory droplets. Ask a clinician about staying away from babies and other vulnerable people while you are infectious, and follow any prescribed treatment or public-health advice.

Get urgent help if breathing pauses, the lips or face look blue or grey, breathing becomes difficult, the person cannot drink, or there is unusual sleepiness or poor responsiveness. Babies can become seriously unwell without a loud whoop, so pauses in breathing or feeding difficulty need immediate attention.

Could this cough be whooping cough, and should testing be arranged? How can I protect babies or vulnerable household members? What signs mean the cough needs urgent review?