When to worry about fever with whooping cough

Whooping cough is a respiratory infection that can cause repeated coughing bouts, a whooping sound when breathing in, vomiting after coughing, and marked tiredness. Fever may be present, although the cough can continue as fever settles. Babies may have breathing pauses rather than a classic whoop. Fever and cough together do not confirm the diagnosis, so clinical assessment matters.

Offer small, frequent drinks and allow rest between coughing bouts. Keep smoke and other airway irritants away. Give only medicines suitable for the person and follow label or clinician instructions; never give a child another person’s prescription. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed and ask the clinician about staying away from infants and vulnerable people while contagious.

Contact a clinician promptly if fever is worsening, returns after improvement, or accompanies increasing cough, poor drinking, repeated vomiting, or unusual sleepiness. Seek emergency help for breathing pauses, struggling to breathe, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Babies, young children, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung disease should be assessed early.

Ask whether testing is needed, how to manage coughing bouts, which fluids and medicines are appropriate, whether antibiotics can reduce spread, and which household contacts need advice.