Whooping cough without fever

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection that irritates the airways. Early symptoms may resemble a mild cold, then coughing fits can become more prominent. A fever is not needed for the illness to be present. Some people cough repeatedly until they gag or vomit, and they may make a sharp intake-of-breath sound after a fit. Infants may not make the classic sound; pauses in breathing or difficulty feeding can be more noticeable.

Arrange a clinical assessment if the cough is worsening, comes in bouts, or follows close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough. Note when it began, whether vomiting follows a fit, and whether the person has had immunisations. A clinician may decide whether testing or antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Until you have advice, reduce close contact with babies, pregnant people, and anyone medically vulnerable; cover coughs and wash hands carefully.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, fainting, a breathing pause, marked sleepiness, dehydration, or an infant who is feeding poorly. These warning signs matter whether or not there is fever. A cough that is disrupting sleep, causing repeated vomiting, or persisting should also be assessed promptly.

Ask whether the cough pattern could fit whooping cough, whether a test would help, and whether household members need advice. Discuss current vaccination records and how to protect close contacts while symptoms are being assessed.