Studies show that cases of Whooping Cough (fancy name: Pertussis) are FIVE times higher in the U.S. this cold & flu season than in last year’s cold & flu season.1
Here are 5 Fast Facts About Whooping Cough:
1. Whooping Cough is Caused By the Bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
2. The Symptoms of Whooping Cough Can Be Divided Into 3 Stages.
Stage 1: The “Catarrhal Stage”
This early stage of whooping cough lasts about 1-2 weeks and includes symptoms such as:
- A low-grade fever
- A runny nose
- A mild cough
- Fatigue
Note: This is the most contagious of the 3 phases because the bacteria are multiplying rapidly.
Stage 2: The Paroxysmal Phase (Advanced Symptoms)
As the illnesses progresses, the child develops…
- A persistent and dramatic cough. The cough is marked by intense & rapid coughing fits (“paroxysms”) followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound during inhalation (aka the “inspiratory whoop”).
This Signature Symptom Is a Key Diagnostic Clue for Doctors.
- Post-tussive emesis: Vomiting after coughing episodes.
- Respiratory distress: Trouble breathing during coughing fits and bluish lips (cyanosis) due to low oxygen levels.
- Exhaustion: Major fatigue resulting from the intensity of the coughing fits.
PediaTrivia: The paroxysmal stage can last anywhere between 1-6 weeks. The persistent cough is so prolonged that whooping cough is often called the “100-day cough.”2
Stage 3: The Convalescent Stage
This final stage of whooping cough can last for several weeks to months. It’s characterized by:
- A gradual recovery with fewer coughing fits.
- A lingering cough that persists for weeks or even months. The cough is often worse with exertion (think: when kids are running around).
As you can see from the symptoms above, whooping cough can last for a looooong time, making it something your family definitely wants to try to avoid.
3. There’s Good News! There’s a Vaccine That Protects Kids Against Whooping Cough. It’s Been Available in the U.S. Since the 1940s.3
Here’s the 411 on the Vaccine:
- The pertussis vaccine is typically given as part of a combination vaccine (which bundles different vaccines together).
For example, the “P” in the DTaP and Tdap combination vaccines represents the pertussis component.
- The DTaP vaccine is typically given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Booster doses of the DTaP vaccine are administered at 15 months and 4 years.
- Because immunity against whooping cough wanes over time, older children receive another Pertussis booster shot at 11-12 years of age to maintain protection.4 This booster shot is usually given as part of the Tdap combination vaccine.
A Word About Protecting Newborns From Whooping Cough:
If you have a newborn or a baby younger than 2 months who is not yet eligible for the DTaP vaccine, it’s important to ensure that ALL caregivers and older siblings are up-to-date on their pertussis vaccination (via the Tdap vaccine).
Why’s That? Because, as mentioned above, immunity from the pertussis vaccine wanes over time. Therefore, older children and adults can unwittingly transmit the Bordetalla pertussis bacteria to vulnerable, unvaccinated babies. No thank you!
4. Pertussis Can Usually Be Diagnosed Based on the Child’s Clinical Symptoms – Namely the Distinctive Cough.
The doctor will evaluate the child’s cough in the context of their exposure to people with similar symptoms, as well as their vaccination history and current immunization status. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may perform a nasal or throat swab (to test for the Bordetella pertussis bacterium) or, more rarely, a blood test (to look for specific antibodies against the bacterium).
5. More Good News: Pertussis Can Be Treated With Antibiotics.
This is why early detection of the illness is key!
Common Question: Why are Whooping Cough Cases Spiking This Cold & Flu Season?
The Recent Increase in Whooping Cough Cases is Primarily Due to the Following Three Factors:
1. Reduced Immunity in Young Kids.
The COVID-19 pandemic precautions that we took (such as mask-wearing and social distancing) reduced kids’ exposure to Bordetella pertussis. This decrease led to fewer whooping cough cases during the pandemic (hooray!). However, it also meant that young children missed out on opportunities to build up their natural immunity to whooping cough through exposure to the Bordetella pertussis bacterium (boo!).
2. A Return to Pre-Pandemic Socializing.
Now that we’re (mainly) back to our pre-pandemic social lives, there are more chances for infectious diseases, such as whooping cough, to spread.
3. Missed DTaP and Tdap Vaccinations.
Studies show that many children (and adults) fell behind on their scheduled vaccines during the pandemic, leaving them more vulnerable to diseases like whooping cough.
The Bottom Line
Whooping Cough Cases are On the Rise & Have Returned to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Making It Essential To:
- Recognize the telltale signs of whooping cough — most notably the coughing fits accompanied by the high-pitched “whoop” during inhalation.
- Ensure that all of your kiddos and their caregivers are up-to-date on their DTaP and Tdap vaccines.
