Whooping cough is a highly contagious infection in the respiratory tract. Most cases of whooping cough are easily identifiable through an intense cough and a whooping sound that occurs as the person takes a breath. While most people received the whooping cough vaccine when they were infants, the infection has found its way back into many communities. Knowing whooping cough facts and symptoms to look for can help you effectively protect yourself from becoming sick.
How to Tell if Your Kid Has Whooping Cough
Symptoms of whooping cough in children can vary depending on the child. For infants, the symptoms may appear as a pause in the breath, while babies may have a very quiet cough. In children, whooping cough symptoms may take three different stages.
The first stage can last up to two weeks and includes symptoms such as a runny nose and low fever. In the second stage, the child may experience a dry cough or the characteristic whooping noise for up to 10 weeks. In the third stage, the child might see a decrease in coughing, but it can continue to bother them for up to two months.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
Many call whooping cough the “100-day cough” since it lasts over three months. After becoming infected with whooping cough, the symptoms can take 10 days or longer to appear. The full list of symptoms includes:
- Running nose
- Congestion
- Cough
- Watery eyes
- Vomiting
- The face turns red or blue after coughing
- Extreme fatigue
- A high-pitched whoop sound during the next intake of breath
In some cases, the individual will only have a persistent hacking cough.
How Contagious Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Even if the individual has mild symptoms, they can spread the bacteria to others.
What’s the Recovery Time for Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough recovery time can take two to three months. However, when you reach the third and final stage of the illness, your immune system is weak, which may cause you to become more susceptible to other diseases. If you contract another illness, it can extend your recovery time.
Tips for Whooping Cough Prevention
Receiving the whooping cough vaccine is the best method for prevention. Since the vaccine’s effectiveness fades over time, it’s best to make an appointment with your doctor if you were in close contact with someone with whooping cough.
Protect Yourself From Whooping Cough With Hamilton Health Center
Whooping cough is a severe disease that is easily preventable with help from Hamilton Health Center. Schedule an appointment to receive a whooping cough vaccine for yourself or your child today.