Sudden whooping cough: what to know

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a contagious infection of the airways. It often begins like a mild cold, then develops into repeated, forceful coughing bouts. A high-pitched intake of breath may follow a bout, although not everyone makes a whooping sound. Vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, and disturbed sleep can occur.

The illness can be harder on babies, young children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with long-term health conditions. Fever may be mild or absent. A clinician may diagnose it from the pattern and duration of the cough and decide whether testing or treatment is appropriate.

Contact a clinician promptly if the cough comes in violent bouts, causes vomiting, or follows contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough. Cover coughs, wash hands, improve ventilation, and avoid close contact with babies and vulnerable people until a clinician advises that it is safe.

Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. Antibiotic treatment may reduce spread when started at an appropriate stage, but it may not immediately stop established coughing. Rest, small sips of fluid, and avoiding smoke can make coughing spells easier to manage.

Seek emergency help if breathing pauses, the lips or face turn blue or grey, the person is struggling to breathe, becomes unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, or cannot keep fluids down. An infant with repeated coughing, poor feeding, or breathing changes needs urgent assessment.

During a severe bout, keep the person upright and stay nearby. Do not put anything in the mouth during a coughing spell, and seek help if recovery between bouts is poor.

Ask whether the cough pattern suggests pertussis, whether testing or antibiotics are needed, how long to avoid close contact, and whether household members need preventive advice or immunisation review.