About Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious Learn more about whooping cough, including how to prevent and treat it
Symptoms of Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC Early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) can look like a common cold Whooping cough is known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit
Clinical Overview of Pertussis | Whooping Cough | CDC Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis Pertussis is a human disease and no animal or insect source, or vector is known to exist CDC recommends vaccination and postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent pertussis
Clinical Features of Pertussis | Whooping Cough | CDC There are three stages of clinical pertussis: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent Clinical presentation, complications, and risk of death can differ based on age and vaccination status Follow recommended vaccine guidelines to help protect patients from whooping cough
Treatment of Pertussis | Whooping Cough | CDC The recommended antibiotics for treatment or postexposure prophylaxis of pertussis are Macrolides (i e , azithromycin B, clarithromycin, and erythromycin) Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole Important considerations Healthcare providers should choose an antibiotic after consideration that includes the Potential for adverse events and drug interactions
Treatment of Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC Early antibiotic treatment for pertussis (whooping cough) may make the infection less serious Sometimes treatment in a hospital may be necessary if symptoms become serious Most whooping cough symptoms can be managed at home See a healthcare provider if you or your child has symptoms of whooping cough
Whooping Cough Vaccination | Whooping Cough | CDC CDC recommends whooping cough (pertussis) vaccination for everyone Whooping cough vaccines are the best way to protect against whooping cough These vaccines work well, but protection fades over time Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about whooping cough vaccines