Whooping Cough in Infants: What Every Parent Should Know
As warnings about the spread of whooping cough continue, it remains important to stay prepared rather than panicked. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, primarily affects those with vulnerable immune systems, making it crucial to watch for symptoms in infants.
What’s whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It’s best known for causing uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. As the name suggests, these fits are sometimes followed by a deep breath that makes a “whoop” sound. Infants often don’t make this sound, and symptoms can go unidentified, become serious quickly, and potentially require hospitalization.
Early Signs to Look Out For
Whooping cough can be challenging to identify because its early symptoms often look like those of a common cold. These include:
- Mild coughing
- Gasping or pausing of breath
- Low-grade fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
As the illness gets worse, symptoms intensify and can develop into:
- Severe coughing fits, sometimes followed by vomiting
- A “whoop” sound when breathing in after coughing
- Exhaustion after coughing
- Trouble breathing or pauses in breathing can be associated with severe drops in oxygen, especially in infants
Stopping It in Its Tracks
If you think you or your child has whooping cough:
- See a doctor — Especially if symptoms are getting worse or your child is under 1 year old.
- Wash hands frequently — Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when coughing to reduce the spread.
- Reduce exposure — Keep sick people away from babies or anyone with a weak immune system.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations — The DTaP vaccine for children and pregnant women and the Tdap booster for teens and adults are effective prevention options.
Trust Your Instincts and Your Pediatrician
When you’re not sure about symptoms or next steps, don’t wait or worry- reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a respiratory specialist. Open communication with your family doctor is key to making confident, informed decisions.