What should you know about newborns and whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a contagious infection that can cause repeated coughing. Young babies may not make a classic whooping sound. Instead, they can have pauses in breathing, turn blue or grey, gag, vomit, feed poorly or become exhausted. A Cough or Fever can have many causes, so the pattern and the baby’s breathing are more useful than a single symptom.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if a newborn has been close to someone with suspected or confirmed whooping cough. Keep the baby away from coughing contacts until a clinician advises otherwise, and mention the exposure before arriving. The clinician may arrange testing, monitoring or Antibiotic Treatment. Ask about the baby’s Childhood Immunisation schedule and protection for close household contacts.

Call emergency services for breathing pauses, blue or grey colour, severe struggle to breathe, collapse, a seizure, or a baby who cannot wake or feed. Seek urgent assessment for repeated coughing fits, vomiting after coughing, marked weakness or fewer wet nappies. Do not wait for a whooping sound before getting help.

Ask whether the baby needs testing, preventive antibiotics after exposure, observation in hospital, or a review of feeding and hydration. Ask when the baby can safely mix with others and how household members should reduce transmission.