One evening, I decided to visit my younger sister who was a young mother. As she was preparing dinner for the family, I was playing with her infant daughter. I heard an unmistakable “whoop” sound and to me, it felt alarming. I asked her if the baby had seen a healthcare provider and she said no, that she had been coughing for a few days and it was normal. We rushed to the hospital, where we learned the baby had whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection. This terrifying experience opened my sister’s eyes to the reality of this illness and the importance of vaccinations.

Understanding Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by  Bordetella pertussis. The disease can strike people of any age. However, the most vulnerable are infants and young children, especially if they haven’t received the vaccinations. In the beginning, whooping cough presents with symptoms resembling a common cold. These symptoms include a running nose, nasal congestion, and a mild cough. However, the cough persists after about a week or two, and it is often accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when trying to breathe. In infants, these symptoms can be more severe, and sometimes they don’t cough at all. Instead, they may stop breathing or struggle to get enough air.

Early Symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Watery eyes
• Mild fever
• Mild cough

Advanced Symptoms:

• Prolonged coughing fits
• Vomiting after coughing
• Fatigue
• “Whooping” sound during breathing

Why Vaccinations Matter

Before vaccines were developed, whooping cough was a leading cause of childhood illness and death. Vaccines were introduced and this has drastically reduced the number of cases. However, immunity from the pertussis vaccine can wear off over time. Therefore, it is vital to get booster doses, especially for teens, adults, and expectant mothers.

Importance of Booster Doses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults receive a booster dose every 10 years. This is particularly important for healthcare workers and those in close contact with infants. A single dose can prevent not only whooping cough but also tetanus and diphtheria.

Expectant mothers should also receive the vaccine during each pregnancy to help protect their babies before they are old enough to be vaccinated. Infants younger than six months are at the highest risk of severe complications from pertussis, such as pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or your child experiences prolonged coughing fits and vomiting after coughing, it’s critical to seek medical attention. Infants, in particular, may require hospitalization for treatment and monitoring. Immediate intervention can prevent severe complications, especially for vulnerable babies under six months old.