Whooping cough: Spanish-language terms and care

Tos ferina and pertussis are names for whooping cough. The illness may first resemble an ordinary cold, then the cough can become repetitive and hard to stop. Coughing may be followed by a noisy breath in, retching, vomiting, or deep tiredness. The characteristic whoop is not present in every person.

Coughing spreads droplets into the air around the person who is ill. People living together, especially those caring for an infant or someone at higher risk from respiratory illness, may need individual advice after an exposure.

Call a healthcare professional if you or your child has fits of coughing, has been near a person with pertussis, or is struggling to recover. Describe the order in which symptoms appeared, any vomiting after coughs, and close contacts who may be vulnerable.

The clinician may examine the person, consider a test, and discuss antibiotics when they are appropriate. Do not share leftover antibiotics or cough medicines. Follow the instructions given about school, work, visitors, and contact with babies.

Get urgent help if breathing is difficult, the lips or skin look blue or grey, there is a seizure, collapse, confusion, or a child cannot keep fluids down. Infants need urgent assessment for pauses in breathing, weak feeding, unusual floppiness, or reduced alertness.

A new fever together with a worsening respiratory illness, dehydration, or chest pain is a reason to seek prompt clinical advice.

You may tell a clinician: “Tengo tos intensa en ataques,” meaning “I have intense coughing fits.” Ask whether pertussis testing is needed, what treatment is suitable, and which symptoms should lead to urgent care.

Request an interpreter if you need one. Clear communication is especially useful when discussing medicines, protection of close contacts, and vaccination history.