When is antibiotic treatment recommended for whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is caused by bacteria and can spread through respiratory droplets. Treatment can reduce infectiousness and may limit illness when started early, but it may not quickly stop the cough once airway irritation has developed. A clinician may recommend treatment after considering the cough pattern, exposure history, examination, and testing.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if you have repeated coughing fits, vomiting after coughing, a whooping sound, or close contact with a diagnosed case. Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the course unless the prescriber changes the plan. Avoid close contact with babies and people who are pregnant or medically vulnerable until a clinician explains when you are no longer likely to spread infection. Cover coughs and ask about testing and household advice.

Seek urgent help for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, unusual drowsiness, dehydration, or a child who cannot feed because of coughing. Babies can become seriously unwell without producing a classic whoop, so breathing changes or poor feeding need prompt attention.

Ask whether testing is needed, whether people at home need preventive antibiotics, how long to stay away from school or work, and which cough or fever medicines are suitable for the patient’s age.