Whooping Cough Is On the Rise

It starts with a tickle in the throat. Then a cough. And before you know it, you—or your child—are gasping for air.

That cough that won’t quit? It might be more than just a lingering cold. If you’ve been exposed to someone with whooping cough—or if your cough is deep, relentless or just won’t go away—don’t wait. Get help. As a primary care provider, I’ve seen an uptick in respiratory illnesses—and one of them is making an unexpected comeback across the country: whooping cough. Also known as pertussis, this highly contagious bacterial infection may sound like something from the past, but it’s very real and still circulating in our communities today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases of whooping cough are rising across the country to pre-pandemic levels. That’s why I want to share what I know—and what you need to know—to protect yourself, your family and those who are most vulnerable.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria, which spreads through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. It’s highly contagious, especially in close quarters like homes, classrooms or workplaces.

In everyday terms, it’s a nasty cough that lingers—and can get serious, especially for babies, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system.

How it spreads

You don’t have to be in direct contact with someone to catch whooping cough. Sharing drinks, using the same water bottle or being near someone who is coughing can be enough to transmit the virus.

Good hygiene habits like washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough are more important than ever. Unfortunately, I’ve seen a slip in these habits lately, which makes it easier for infections like pertussis to spread.

What does whooping cough sound like?

Who’s most at risk?

Anyone can get whooping cough, but the people I worry about most are:

• Infants (especially those too young to be vaccinated).
• Older adults.
• People with chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma.
• Those who are unvaccinated.

If your immune system is already compromised, a case of pertussis can quickly become serious.

What to look out for

At first, the symptoms look like the common cold:

• Runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Mild fever.
• A mild cough.

But then, it progresses into something much more intense. Patients often describe it as a deep, relentless cough—sometimes so strong it causes vomiting or exhaustion. Children may make a distinctive “whoop” sound when inhaling after a coughing fit, though not everyone does.

Symptoms typically appear five to seven days after exposure, but it can take as long as three weeks. That means someone can spread the infection before they even realize they’re sick.

How we diagnose it

Many people don’t come to me thinking they have whooping cough. They’re usually here for a lingering or worsening cough, and that’s when we start to dig deeper. I ask about recent exposures, vaccine history and what’s going on in the community.

If I suspect pertussis, I may order a PCR test or a blood test to confirm it.

One big clue? That deep, barking cough that just won’t stop. I sometimes compare it to kennel cough in dogs—it’s unmistakable once you’ve heard it.

Treatment and recovery

Once diagnosed, I typically treat patients with a course of antibiotics to help shorten how long they’re contagious. If they have other health conditions, like asthma, they might need additional support like inhalers or steroids.

For those who know they’ve been exposed but aren’t showing symptoms yet, I may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis—a preventive round of antibiotics—to help stop it from developing or spreading to others.

Even with treatment, the cough can last for weeks. That’s why prevention is always better than dealing with the illness.

Why vaccination matters

Vaccination is truly our best defense against whooping cough. The DTaP vaccine is given to infants and young children, and the Tdap booster is recommended for preteens, teens and adults. I especially urge pregnant women and caregivers of infants to make sure they’re up to date.

Not only does the vaccine reduce your chances of getting pertussis, but it also makes the illness less severe if you do happen to catch it. That can make a huge difference in recovery and in preventing complications.

Common misconceptions

One of the biggest myths I hear is that whooping cough only affects kids. That’s just not true. Adults can catch and spread it—sometimes without even realizing it—because their symptoms can be more subtle.

Another misconception is that the vaccine eliminates all risk. While no vaccine is 100% effective, being vaccinated dramatically lowers your chances of serious illness and protects those around you.

A final word of advice

Don’t have one? Schedule with a ChristianaCare provider today. We’re here to help you get the answers you need and the care you deserve.

And if you’re unsure whether you’re up to date on your vaccines, ask! A quick check of your immunization record could be the difference between staying healthy and getting seriously sick.