Whooping Cough in California
Do I have whooping cough?
• Whooping cough has a distinct type of "whoop" and coughing spasms -- so not every kid with a cough is likely to have it. Not all patients with pertussis whoop as this is largely confined to younger children.
• A basic viral illness with MILD cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat for a few days is NOT whooping cough.
Is there a test for whooping cough?
• There are tests, but they take a few days to get results and most of the time, the doctor will make the diagnosis based on what sort of symptoms the child / patient has. The tests may be ordered, but the doctor will make that decision based on the information given and the examination of the patient.
I may have been exposed to whooping cough, what should I do?
• It is important to let the physician know if you have been exposed or if there are others in the family who may have whooping cough. It is also important to know whether your immunizations are up-to-date for your children, including teen-agers. In some cases, your doctor might recommend treatment even if you do not have symptoms.
How do I know if my child has been vaccinated?
• The ONLY children too young to be immunized would be those under 6 weeks of age.
• Most children who are in school have had the infant and booster immunization for elementary school.
• You may check SDIR to see if the child has had the full complement of vaccines.
• The vaccines are important -- and there are infant vaccines, boosters for elementary aged children, and boosters for teens and young adults.
I’m an adult, can I get whooping cough?
• Adults can get pertussis also. All adults 64 years old or younger should have received 1 Tdap vaccination in the past.
Is whooping cough contagious?
• Yes, it is spread through coughing. Remember to cover your cough and wash your hands often.
What if I or my child catches whooping cough?
• Your doctor will probably recommend an antibiotic treatment with Azithromycin as long as it is caught in time.
Will all coughing caused by pertussis respond to antibiotics?
• Pertussis generally responds to treatment in the first 2 weeks, more or less. Children and adults will continue to cough for up to 2 months if they are not treated in time.