Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
What is pertussis?
Pertussis (also called Whooping Cough) is a very contagious respiratory disease. It can cause violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe. It can also cause serious complications like pneumonia and brain damage. Anyone at any age can get pertussis. Pertussis can be severe and even deadly, especially in infants.
How is pertussis spread?
The bacteria that cause pertussis spread from person to person through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes other people can then breathe in the bacteria.
An untreated person is most contagious at the beginning of the disease. They will be contagious for three weeks after coughing begins. A person treated with antibiotics is usually not contagious after treatment.
Covering your coughs and sneezes helps prevent the spread of pertussis.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
After contact with an infected person, it takes 1-3 weeks for symptoms to appear.
- Early symptoms can look like a common cold. These symptoms may include a mild cough, runny nose, red watery eyes, not wanting to eat, and low-grade fever.
- Coughing generally gets worse and can cause spasms. Some people make a high pitched “whoop” noise while coughing. They may also vomit during the coughing episode.
- Babies and young children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead.
How is pertussis treated?
If you think you have pertussis, contact your doctor for testing and treatment. Treating pertussis early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. A person treated with antibiotics is usually not contagious after treatment. It is recommended you stay home until you have completed five days of antibiotics.
Babies younger than six months of age who are very sick often need to stay in the hospital. Medical staff can help manage cough spasms, feeding difficulties, or other complications.
If you live with or have close contact with someone who has pertussis, you may be given antibiotics to prevent the disease. If you are not up to date on your pertussis vaccine, it is recommended you get vaccinated. Either the Tdap or DTaP vaccine is recommended, depending on your age.
Schedule an Appointment Online
Livingston County Health Department now offers convenient online scheduling.
Feeling Sick?
- Stay home and away from others if you have pertussis symptoms.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child has these symptoms:
- Coughing in long bursts
- Vomiting after coughing
- A cough that lasts 7 days or more, with or without the classic “whoop” sound.
- If you are diagnosed with pertussis, it is recommended you stay home until you have completed 5 days of antibiotics.
Last Modified April 21, 2026
