What should you know about incubation of whooping cough?

Incubation is the time between catching an infection and noticing its first symptoms. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, commonly begins like a mild cold with a runny nose, tiredness, or a light cough. The cough may then become prolonged or occur in repeated bouts, sometimes followed by a high-pitched intake of breath or vomiting. Babies may have pauses in breathing rather than a typical whoop.

A person can spread infection before the cough becomes recognisable. Exposure alone does not prove infection, and the timing of symptoms can vary. A clinician will consider contact history, age, vaccination, cough pattern, and breathing symptoms.

Monitor for a new or worsening cough and limit close contact with babies, pregnant people, and anyone medically vulnerable while arranging advice. Cover coughs, wash hands, improve ventilation, and avoid sharing drinks or utensils. Contact a clinician early if a household member has whooping cough, because testing, preventive advice, or antibiotics may be considered for selected contacts.

Seek urgent help for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, struggling to breathe, repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, unusual sleepiness, or a child who is not feeding. Arrange prompt assessment for coughing bouts, a cough that is worsening, or exposure involving an infant. Early medical advice can help protect close contacts and guide treatment.

Could this cough be whooping cough, and is testing useful now? Should close contacts receive preventive treatment? How long should we avoid school, work, or contact with babies, and are vaccinations up to date?