What should you know about Tdap and whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory infection that can cause repeated coughing fits, vomiting after coughing or a noisy breath in. Babies can have pauses in breathing rather than a classic whoop. Vaccination reduces the chance of illness and helps limit spread, but vaccinated people can still need assessment if symptoms develop. The condition may be particularly serious for young infants, so protecting close contacts matters.

Check your vaccination history with a clinician and discuss Tdap if it is recommended for your age, pregnancy or close contact with a newborn. If whooping cough is suspected, cover coughs, wash hands and avoid close contact with babies until medical advice is given. A clinician may prescribe antibiotic treatment to reduce spread; antibiotics do not immediately stop every cough. Follow the prescribed course and the advice about returning to work, school or childcare.

Arrange prompt assessment for a cough that comes in severe bouts, causes vomiting or lasts longer than expected, especially after contact with a confirmed case. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, blue lips, pauses in breathing, chest pain, confusion or exhaustion. Infants with poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or breathing changes need urgent evaluation.

Ask whether your symptoms need testing, whether household contacts need preventive treatment, when you can safely return to close-contact activities and whether your vaccination record is complete.