4. HOW IT
SPREADS
People can spread
the bacteria from
the start of the very
first symptoms
1
People can spread
the disease even if
they don’t know
they have it
2
Babies can get
infected by older
siblings, parents or
caregivers
3
5. May develop 5-10 days after you come into
contact with the bacteria
6. SYMPTOMS
Early Symptoms: STAGE 1
• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever
• Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)
• Apnea and cyanosis (in babies and young
children)
7. SYMPTOMS
Later Symptoms: STAGE 2
• One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms
• Coughing fits:
• Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel very tired
• Struggle to breathe
9. SYMPTOMS
When to see a DOCTOR?
Struggling to breathe
Turning blue or purple
Coughing violently
Coughing rapidly, over and
over
Not drinking enough fluids
12. TREATMENT
Managing Symptoms at home:
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by the doctor
Keep your home free from irritants
Use a clean, cool mist humidifier
Wash hand often with soap and water (atleast 20 sec)
Eat small meals every few hours to prevent vomiting
Get plenty of fluids
13. TREATMENT
Report signs of dehydration:
Dry, sticky mouth
Sleepiness or tiredness
Thirst
Decreased urination or fewer wet diapers
Few or no tears when crying
Muscle weakness
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
19. 5 FACTS
Whooping Cough can be very serious, especially for babies.
Whooping cough is very contagious.
Severe coughing fits can last for weeks.
Babies may not cough at all.
Vaccines are the best protection against whooping cough.
20. ”It is health that
is real wealth.
And not pieces of
gold and silver.”
Editor's Notes
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans.
The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air.
When a person who has whooping cough sneezes or coughs, they can release small particles with the bacteria in them. Other people then breathe in the bacteria.
It also spreads when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space, like when you hold a newborn on your chest.
1. and for at least 2 weeks after coughing begins.
2. Some people have mild symptoms and don’t know they have whooping cough, but they can still spread the bacteria to others.
3. Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don’t know they have it.
Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks.
Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:
In its early stages, whooping cough appears to be nothing more than the common cold. Therefore, doctors often do not suspect or diagnose it until the more severe symptoms appear.
One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop paroxysms—rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits.
These coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits generally get worse and become more common as the illness continues.
Babies may struggle to breathe, while teens and adults usually have mild symptoms
Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead it may cause them to turn blue or struggle to breathe. It may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just the beginning.
The infection is generally milder in teens and adults than in babies and children, especially those who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough. It may seem like a common cold. The “whoop” is often not there for people who have a milder illness.
However, teens and adults can have serious cases of whooping cough. Teens and adults, especially those who did not get whooping cough vaccines, may have lengthy coughing fits that keep them up at night. Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives. It can also cause major disruptions to daily life and serious complications.
Vaccinated people may not get as sick
Whooping cough vaccines are effective, but not perfect. The infection is usually not as bad for people who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough but still get sick.
In vaccinated people who get whooping cough:
The cough usually won’t last as many days
Coughing fits, whooping, and vomiting after coughing fits are less common
Apnea and cyanosis are less common (in vaccinated babies and children)
Recovery from whooping cough can be slow. The cough becomes milder and less common as you get better.
Coughing fits may stop for a while but can return if you get other respiratory infections. Coughing fits can return many months after the whooping cough illness started.
Any time someone is struggling to breathe, it is important to get them to a doctor right away.
Doctors generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. There are several antibiotics available to treat whooping cough.
It’s very important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin.
Treating whooping cough early can
Make the illness less serious
Help prevent spreading the bacteria that cause it to others
Starting treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help even though most people will still have symptoms. By then, your body has gotten rid of the bacteria, but the symptoms are still there due to the damage already done to your body.
