Among the various contagious diseases currently spreading, including RSV, walking pneumonia, and norovirus, there is one that may not be on your radar or that you might have thought was a thing of the past: whooping cough. What is whooping cough? Also known as pertussis, it is a bacterial infection that initially presents symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny or congested nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough. However, after one to two weeks, the symptoms may progress and become identifiable as whooping cough. These symptoms include:
– Prolonged coughing fits lasting from one to 10 weeks
– A distinctive high-pitched sound (“whoop”) when inhaling after coughing
– Fatigue after coughing fits
– Vomiting due to severe coughing
– Difficulty sleeping
– Breathing difficulties
– Potential rib fractures
Dr. Janine Zee-Cheng, a pediatrician in Indiana, highlighted that due to the rarity of whooping cough thanks to vaccinations, many may not recognize the unique sound of the cough, which can be heard in this video from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “The cough persists for an extended period, and it does have a notable ‘whoop,'” Zee-Cheng told HuffPost.
Recovery from a whooping cough infection can be prolonged and coughing fits may persist for months. Vaccinated individuals who contract whooping cough typically experience milder symptoms. While infants may not develop a cough, they can experience apnea episodes, posing a serious risk. One in three infants under one year old with whooping cough may require hospitalization. Complications in infants may include pneumonia, convulsions, encephalopathy, and a fatality rate of 1 in 100.
Teens and adults may experience complications like pneumonia, albeit at a lower risk than infants if fully vaccinated. The CDC recommends pregnant individuals receive the Tdap vaccine to safeguard their newborns during the initial month of life.
It is a common misconception that surviving an illness guarantees a full recovery. Severe illnesses can have lasting impacts, with children requiring ventilators, tracheostomies, or suffering neurological damage that may affect them for years or even a lifetime. This can also have a profound impact on their families.
Why are there increased infections currently? The CDC reported a significant rise in whooping cough cases from the end of 2023 to the same period in 2024, marking a sixfold increase. Experts attribute this surge to a return to pre-pandemic infection levels after reduced social interactions led to record-low cases between 2020 and 2023, with just over 2,000 cases reported in 2021. In 2024, over 32,000 cases were reported, compared to the highest number of cases this century in 2012, with over 48,000 reported cases.
The pertussis vaccine was introduced in
The DTaP vaccine was approved in 1991, but cases of whooping cough increased steadily in the years following its introduction. There are a few reasons for this rise after reaching record lows in the 1970s and ’80s. Concerns about adverse effects from the earlier DTP vaccine, which were later found to be unlikely associated with the vaccine, may have caused some parents to hesitate in getting the DTaP shot for their children. Additionally, the effectiveness of the vaccine diminishes over time, making teens and adults who do not receive booster shots more susceptible to infection and potential transmission of the illness.
Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, but they must be prescribed within the first few weeks of infection, before the characteristic coughing symptoms appear. This can be challenging as early symptoms are often mild and similar to those of a common cold or other respiratory infections. Rapid antigen tests like those used for COVID-19, flu, and strep throat, which provide immediate results, are not currently available for whooping cough. Test results from a national lab company can take two to four days to return, so doctors may start treatment with antibiotics before receiving test results for suspected cases of whooping cough.
While cases of whooping cough are increasing, most children with mild respiratory symptoms likely have a common cold rather than whooping cough. However, unvaccinated children are at higher risk of contracting whooping cough. It is recommended that parents adhere to the recommended vaccine schedule to ensure protection, especially as infants receive their first dose of DTaP when the immunity from the mother’s booster shot diminishes.
Some public figures without medical expertise have spread misinformation about vaccines overwhelming the immune system and causing health problems. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
In terms of when to seek medical attention for a child, it depends on the age of the child. Infants under 28 days old with a temperature over 100.4 should see a doctor. For infants between 28 and 90 days old, parents should consult with their pediatrician about when to bring the child in for evaluation. Using the doctor’s after-hours or nurse triage line to discuss symptoms before heading to the ER can be helpful, unless the child is experiencing difficulty breathing, in which case immediate medical attention is necessary. Signs of respiratory distress in a child include retractions or unusual breathing patterns that require prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider.
The presence of a persistent cough in a child should raise a red flag. Other warning signs that parents should be vigilant for include flared nostrils, grunting, or head bobbing as the child breathes. As a baby’s health can deteriorate rapidly, Dr. Zee-Cheng advises contacting your healthcare provider or after-hours triage line to describe any concerning symptoms when in doubt.
Preventing illness in children is a top priority for parents. Fortunately, the majority of cases of whooping cough can be prevented through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine is administered during childhood, with additional Tdap shots recommended at ages 11 or 12 and during pregnancy. DTaP and Tdap are combination vaccines that protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), tailored for different age groups.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who complete the recommended five doses of the DTaP vaccine are provided with robust protection. Within one year of the last shot, these children are shielded from infection at a rate of 98%, decreasing to 70% after five years. Even those who may not be fully protected still benefit from partial immunity, reducing the severity of illness should they contract whooping cough.
The Tdap vaccine confers protection to around 70% of individuals within the first year of administration, with continued efficacy at 30-40% after four years. Pregnant individuals who receive the booster shot are able to safeguard infants under two months old, who are too young to have received their own DTaP vaccinations. This protection extends to preventing hospitalization from whooping cough for 90% of infants.
Ensuring that all family members adhere to the recommended vaccination schedule is crucial in safeguarding children against whooping cough. Dr. Zee-Cheng emphasizes the importance of basing parenting decisions on credible information and evidence. Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies for keeping children healthy and protected.
In related health news, cases of ‘walking pneumonia’ are on the rise, prompting a need for heightened awareness. Understanding the surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections is imperative for parents, as this virus can cause severe illness in young children. Medical professionals stress the importance of vaccine literacy and offer insights into key aspects that parents should comprehend regarding vaccines.
Staying informed about prevalent illnesses and the significance of vaccination is vital in promoting the health and well-being of children. By making informed choices and prioritizing preventive healthcare measures, parents can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their children’s health.
