{"id":4161,"date":"2025-07-15T07:46:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T07:46:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/?p=4161"},"modified":"2025-07-15T07:46:56","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T07:46:56","slug":"whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"<strong>Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Causes, Symptoms &amp; Prevention<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A widespread respiratory infection among infants and young children across the world can be life-threatening if left untreated. The illness is highly contagious and can even affect immunocompromised people of other age groups. Thankfully, there is a whooping cough vaccine available to prevent illness and an effective antibiotic course to fight off the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To avoid contracting a cough infection or its spread, one must be aware of the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Besides, one must also be aware of its spread, complications, treatment, and prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Whooping_Cough_Pertussis\"><\/span><strong>What Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_47_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Important Checkpoints<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"ez-toc-toggle-icon-1\"><label for=\"item-69e45ac267770\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><input  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-69e45ac267770\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-visibility-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#What_Is_Whooping_Cough_Pertussis\" title=\"What Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?\">What Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#How_Does_Pertussis_Spread\" title=\"How Does Pertussis Spread?\">How Does Pertussis Spread?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Common_Symptoms_of_Whooping_Cough\" title=\"Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough\">Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Who_Is_at_Risk_of_Getting_Pertussis\" title=\"Who Is at Risk of Getting Pertussis?\">Who Is at Risk of Getting Pertussis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#How_Is_Whooping_Cough_Diagnosed\" title=\"How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?\">How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Treatment_Options_for_Pertussis\" title=\"Treatment Options for Pertussis\">Treatment Options for Pertussis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Medications_for_Pertussis_Whooping_Cough\" title=\"Medications for Pertussis (Whooping Cough)\">Medications for Pertussis (Whooping Cough)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Complications_of_Untreated_Pertussis\" title=\"Complications of Untreated Pertussis\">Complications of Untreated Pertussis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#How_to_Prevent_Whooping_Cough\" title=\"How to Prevent Whooping Cough?\">How to Prevent Whooping Cough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Is_whooping_cough_contagious\" title=\"Is whooping cough contagious?\">Is whooping cough contagious?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Can_adults_get_whooping_cough\" title=\"Can adults get whooping cough?\">Can adults get whooping cough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#What_does_a_whooping_cough_sound_like\" title=\"What does a whooping cough sound like?\">What does a whooping cough sound like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Can_you_recover_from_whooping_cough_without_antibiotics\" title=\"Can you recover from whooping cough without antibiotics?\">Can you recover from whooping cough without antibiotics?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Is_there_a_vaccine_for_whooping_cough\" title=\"Is there a vaccine for whooping cough?\">Is there a vaccine for whooping cough?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#How_long_does_whooping_cough_last\" title=\"How long does whooping cough last?\">How long does whooping cough last?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#Can_newborns_get_vaccinated_for_pertussis\" title=\"Can newborns get vaccinated for pertussis?\">Can newborns get vaccinated for pertussis?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#What_is_the_difference_between_a_normal_cough_and_whooping_cough\" title=\"What is the difference between a normal cough and whooping cough?\">What is the difference between a normal cough and whooping cough?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Medically termed as pertussis, it is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract of only humans. It develops when bacteria named Bordetella pertussis attach to the cilia in the lining of the breathing passages- the nose and throat. On sticking to the cilia, it damages the cilia with its released toxins. This leads to swelling and inflammation of the airway and ultimately long-lasting, dry cough and other symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The illness got its name based on its characteristic sign- the long stretches of strong cough ending with a high-pitched whooping sound. The whooping noise is the result of deep, fast breaths taken in between the stretches of coughs that persist for weeks or months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Pertussis_Spread\"><\/span><strong>How Does Pertussis Spread?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a pertussis-infected person coughs, sneezes, or laughs, small droplets containing bacteria may travel through the air. A healthy person who shares breathing space with an infected person can breathe in those droplets and catch the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Symptoms_of_Whooping_Cough\"><\/span><strong>Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis symptoms can vary among infected individuals based on their age and whether they have been immunized or not. An affected person usually exhibits symptoms within 5-10 days, but some may take up to 3 weeks or more to develop symptoms following exposure.<br>In the initial stages, the infection often mimics a typical cold. Symptoms may include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a light or infrequent cough, which can persist for one to two weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The signs of a severe <strong>infection<\/strong> may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Coughing fits- rapid coughs followed by a whooping noise, especially at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vomiting during or after coughing fits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exhaustion or fatigue following stretches of coughing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apnea and skin turning blue (in babies).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These signs may last for up to 10 weeks or more and require prompt medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take note, in vaccinated people, infection is usually not likely, and if it occurs, the symptoms are mild and temporary. The cough episodes are fewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_at_Risk_of_Getting_Pertussis\"><\/span><strong>Who Is at Risk of Getting Pertussis?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pertussis can make anyone sick. However, it&#8217;s most likely for the following individuals to be diagnosed with infection and be at higher risk of complications from the illness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Infants (under 6 months)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elderly people<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Individuals with chronic illness or a weak immune system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parents, caregivers, and anyone who is in close contact with babies having pertussis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Is_Whooping_Cough_Diagnosed\"><\/span><strong>How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s what a general physician does to diagnose an <strong>infection<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Reviews complete medical records of the patient and family, including noting the symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A thorough physical exam<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Routine blood test- to check for WBC count, which helps diagnose an infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chest X-ray- to check for fluid build-up in the lungs- the sign of pneumonia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A laboratory test of a throat swab- to test for bacteria causing pertussis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Treatment_Options_for_Pertussis\"><\/span><strong>Treatment Options for Pertussis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As pertussis is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/children\/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>treatment for pertussis<\/strong><\/a>. An early treatment can help make the infection less serious and even prevent its spread. If sick with pertussis for 3 weeks or more and received no antibiotics, the antibiotic treatment at this stage won&#8217;t work, and the patient has to be hospitalised for medical care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To feel better and recover soon, some of these at-home practices can work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Plenty of rest to regain body strength to fight the infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intake of small, frequent meals to avoid vomits after coughing fits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean the surrounding air to avoid irritants and soothe coughing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying hydrated to heal faster.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medications_for_Pertussis_Whooping_Cough\"><\/span><strong>Medications for Pertussis (Whooping Cough)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Medications for pertussis (whooping cough), including Klacid and Zithromax. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for pertussis, especially when started early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/products\/klaricid.html\"><strong>Klaricid (Clarithromycin<\/strong><\/a><strong>): <\/strong>A macrolide antibiotic effective in eliminating Bordetella pertussis bacteria, commonly prescribed for both children and adults.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/products\/zithromax.html\"><strong>Zithromax (Azithromycin)<\/strong><\/a><strong>: <\/strong>Another macrolide antibiotic, often preferred due to its shorter course and better tolerance, especially for infants and young children.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These antibiotics are typically prescribed during the early stages of the illness for maximum benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complications_of_Untreated_Pertussis\"><\/span><strong>Complications of Untreated Pertussis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A severe <strong>infection<\/strong> can make it difficult for the person to breathe normally and get enough oxygen to meet their body&#8217;s needs. Low oxygen level in the bloodstream resulting from untreated pertussis in children can lead to serious complications such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Pneumonia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apnea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seizures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convulsions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brain damage\/ bleeding in the brain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A severe cough in teens and adults can even cause:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broken blood vessels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bruised ribs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Abdominal hernias<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty sleeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urinary leakage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prevent_Whooping_Cough\"><\/span><strong>How to Prevent Whooping Cough?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Immunization:<\/strong> The best way to avoid having a cough is to be vaccinated. CDC encourages getting the pertussis vaccine, as recommended. Young children aged under 6 years should get the DTaP (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) vaccine in 5 doses. The first three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months; the fourth dose at 15-18 months; and the last dose at 4-6 years.<br>Preteens, individuals aged 11-12 years, should get a Tdap booster dose, and women should even get the booster dose during their pregnancy, between 27 and 36 weeks, to keep the newborn safe. For all those who haven&#8217;t received the vaccine at these recommended schedules, they should get Tdap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-exposure antimicrobial prophylaxis (PEP)-<\/strong> It includes an antibiotic course for someone who has been exposed to pertussis-causing bacteria, to prevent someone from getting sick with a <strong>cough<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Good hygiene-<\/strong> Following standard hygiene practices is crucial to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like pertussis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To prevent whooping cough and its severe complications, early diagnosis, proper treatment, and timely vaccination are essential. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms arise, especially in children and vulnerable adults. For prescribed antibiotics and cough relief medications, you can rely on trusted services like online pharmacy website <strong>Life Rx Pharmacy<\/strong> for safe and convenient delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><strong>FAQs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563833527\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_whooping_cough_contagious\"><\/span><strong>Is whooping cough contagious?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>Yes, it is highly contagious. Spreading occurs through the release of respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, especially in the early stages before severe symptoms begin to develop.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563844711\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_adults_get_whooping_cough\"><\/span><strong>Can adults get whooping cough?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>Yes, adults can contract infection, especially if they have not received a recent booster. These usually milder symptoms can still pose a risk to others, including infants and those with weakened immune systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563855820\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_a_whooping_cough_sound_like\"><\/span><strong>What does a whooping cough sound like?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>Infection causes severe bouts of coughing, with a &#8216;whooping&#8217; sound made on the intake of breath. Children generally exhibit this unique sound more frequently, whereas adults mostly have a protracted, dry cough without the classic &#8216;whoop&#8217;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563867604\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_you_recover_from_whooping_cough_without_antibiotics\"><\/span><strong>Can you recover from whooping cough without antibiotics?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>In some cases, yes. They do, however, prevent the symptoms from worsening and spreading. It is even more important for infants and susceptible groups to be given antibiotics to avoid complications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563878152\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_there_a_vaccine_for_whooping_cough\"><\/span><strong>Is there a vaccine for whooping cough?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>Yes, the DTaP and Tdap vaccines can protect against infection. Immunization should be administered according to the recommended dose schedule for infants, children, and adults to maintain immunity and protect public health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752563896082\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_does_whooping_cough_last\"><\/span><strong>How long does whooping cough last?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>The duration of whooping cough is typically 6 to 10 weeks, although it can sometimes last even longer. It generally lasts through three stages: mild symptoms of a cold, extreme attacks of coughing, and the gradual healing process of several weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752564041004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_newborns_get_vaccinated_for_pertussis\"><\/span><strong>Can newborns get vaccinated for pertussis?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>Pertussis vaccination cannot be given to newborns until 6 weeks of age. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy and vaccination of close contacts protect an infant, known as the cocooning approach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1752564054688\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_difference_between_a_normal_cough_and_whooping_cough\"><\/span><strong>What is the difference between a normal cough and whooping cough?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \"><p>A normal cough is mild and does not last long; the whooping cough begins with severe bouts of coughing, often accompanied by a whoop afterward, or the child may even vomit. It lasts for weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-b356d708 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/health-issues\/conditions\/chest-lungs\/Pages\/Whooping-Cough.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/health-issues\/conditions\/chest-lungs\/Pages\/Whooping-Cough.aspx<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/children\/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/children\/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/about\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/pertussis\/about\/index.html<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/whoopingcough.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/whoopingcough.html<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A widespread respiratory infection among infants and young children across the world can be life-threatening if left untreated. The illness is highly contagious and can even affect immunocompromised people of other age groups. Thankfully, there is a whooping cough vaccine available to prevent illness and an effective antibiotic course to fight off the infection. To &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/whooping-cough-causes-symptoms-prevention\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\"><strong>Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Causes, Symptoms &amp; Prevention<\/strong><\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":4162,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":""},"categories":[208,2],"tags":[616,36],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention.png",1024,628,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention-300x184.png",300,184,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention-768x471.png",768,471,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention.png",1024,628,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention.png",1024,628,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Whooping-Cough-Pertussis-Causes-Symptoms-Prevention.png",1024,628,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Shradha Joshi","author_link":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/author\/shradha\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A widespread respiratory infection among infants and young children across the world can be life-threatening if left untreated. The illness is highly contagious and can even affect immunocompromised people of other age groups. Thankfully, there is a whooping cough vaccine available to prevent illness and an effective antibiotic course to fight off the infection. To&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4161"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4161"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4163,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4161\/revisions\/4163"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liferxpharmacy.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}