Can you get whooping cough more than once?

Having had pertussis before may change what a clinician considers, but it does not confirm or exclude the cause of a later cough. Immunity following infection and the protection from vaccines can reduce over time. Whooping cough commonly includes bouts of persistent cough, sometimes followed by vomiting or a noisy breath in. Other respiratory conditions can also cause these symptoms, so a clinician considers the full pattern, exposure history, and examination.

Arrange medical advice when a cough is persistent, forceful, interrupts sleep, or occurs after contact with someone known to have whooping cough. Share the date of your earlier illness if you know it, your vaccination history, and details of close contacts. The clinician can decide whether testing is useful and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Keep distance from young babies and avoid sharing drinks or utensils while you seek advice about a severe unexplained cough.

Get urgent help for shortness of breath, blue or grey lips, collapse, chest pain, confusion, or inability to drink enough fluids. Prompt medical review is needed for any infant with coughing spells, breathing pauses, weak feeding, or reduced alertness. These warning signs need attention because of the symptoms themselves, regardless of whether a person had pertussis in the past.

Ask whether this cough needs testing for pertussis, whether your past infection changes the plan, and whether close contacts need precautions. You can also ask about recommended vaccination timing for your circumstances.