Pertussis contagious period

Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and close contact. The first symptoms may resemble an ordinary cold, so a person can pass the infection on before the characteristic coughing attacks are recognised. The cough may continue for a long time, but the ability to spread infection does not necessarily last for the whole cough. A prescribed antibiotic may shorten the infectious period; the treating clinician should give the specific return-to-work, school or childcare advice.

Avoid close face-to-face contact, especially with babies and pregnant people, while seeking medical advice. Cover coughs, dispose of tissues, wash hands, improve ventilation and do not share cups or eating utensils. Tell the clinic about recent close contacts and whether anyone at home has breathing problems or is very young. Ask whether preventive antibiotics or vaccination advice is appropriate for contacts.

Seek urgent help if anyone exposed develops pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe breathlessness, repeated choking or unusual difficulty staying awake. Contact a clinician promptly after close exposure when the household includes an infant, or when a new cough begins after contact with a suspected or confirmed case. Do not wait for a whoop before asking for advice.

Ask when the person may safely mix with others, whether household members need testing or preventive treatment, how long to monitor exposed children, and which symptoms require emergency care.