Whooping Cough Care
Recognizing pertussis and watching babies closely
Step by Step
Whooping cough starts like a cold, then after one to two weeks develops exhausting coughing fits that end with a whoop or vomiting, sometimes with pauses in breathing in young babies. Babies under 3 months are at highest risk of stopping breathing, weight loss, and pneumonia. If whooping cough is suspected, contact a doctor promptly, since antibiotics given early reduce spread, and the whole household may need treatment. Offer small frequent feeds, keep the environment calm, and clear mucus from the nose. Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue lips, difficulty breathing, dehydration, seizures, or extreme drowsiness. Coughing fits can last months, and vaccination in pregnancy and infancy is the main protection.
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