Pertussis, often called whooping cough, is caused by a bacterial infection. It’s a highly contagious illness that spreads easily from person to person through airborne germs from the nose and throat. While infants have the greatest chance of getting whooping cough, the illness can be contracted at any age.
Similarly, can adults transmit whooping cough?
A person with whooping cough can pass it to others as soon as they get cold-like symptoms. They can also pass it up to 3 weeks after they start coughing. If the infected person takes an appropriate antibiotic, they will not spread the germ after 5 full days of treatment.
Moreover, does whooping cough go away on its own?
Pertussis bacteria die off naturally after three weeks of coughing. If antibiotics are not started within that time, they are no longer recommended. Antibiotics can also be given to close contacts of persons with pertussis to prevent or lessen the symptoms.
How long do you have to quarantine with whooping cough?
Persons with pertussis should stay home from child care, school, work, and other activities until they have finished 5 days of antibiotics, unless they have already been coughing for 3 or more weeks.
How serious is whooping cough in adults?
Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks and can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The symptoms of whooping cough may look like other medical conditions. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.
Is whooping cough going around 2021?
In 2022, 20 pertussis cases were reported in 11 counties. There was a 91% decrease in the number of pertussis cases reported between December 2021 — May 2022 compared to December 2019 — May 2020 (n=230 cases).
What are the 3 stages of whooping cough?
This disease has 3 stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. The symptoms of the catarrhal stage are mild and may go unnoticed. The paroxysmal stage of Pertussis is characterized by episodes of coughing with a distinctive “whooping” sound when breathing in (inspiration).
What does whooping cough sound like in adults?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it’s marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop.”
What to do if a family member has whooping cough?
See a GP urgently or call 111 if:
you or your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough and have a weakened immune system.
What type of cough is Covid?
A dry cough is one of the most common coronavirus symptoms, but some people may have a cough with phlegm (thick mucus).
When is whooping cough most contagious?
Many babies who get pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who might not even know they have the disease. Infected people are most contagious up to about 2 weeks after the cough begins. Antibiotics may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.