What should you know about rubella whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection of the airways. It can begin like a mild cold, then develop into repeated bouts of forceful coughing. A sharp intake of breath after a bout may make a whoop, although not everyone makes that sound. Babies can become unwell quickly and may pause their breathing rather than cough loudly. A cough and fever can have many causes, so their presence alone does not establish whooping cough.

Rubella is a separate viral illness that can cause a fine rash and swollen glands. Do not assume that a cough labelled rubella is the same as pertussis; tell a clinician exactly which symptoms and exposures are present.

Arrange a clinical assessment if coughing fits are increasing, interrupt sleep, cause vomiting or make breathing difficult. Keep the person resting, offer frequent fluids and avoid smoke or strong fragrances. Cover coughs, wash hands and limit close contact with babies and pregnant people until a clinician advises on infectiousness. A clinician may discuss [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) and whether household contacts need advice. Routine [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) helps prevent whooping cough but does not explain a current cough.

Seek urgent help for blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe struggle to breathe, marked drowsiness, dehydration or a baby who is feeding poorly. Contact a clinician promptly if a young infant has repeated coughing spells, or if a cough follows contact with confirmed whooping cough. A [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) with [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) deserves assessment when the person is worsening rather than settling.

Ask whether the pattern fits pertussis, whether testing is useful, how long to stay away from school or work, and which close contacts need advice. Mention vaccination history, the date the cough began, breathing pauses, vomiting after coughing and any contact with an infant.