Adults get pertussis, too.
While pertussis, or whooping cough, is widely known as a childhood disease, it also occurs in adults and adolescents. When an adult has pertussis, the disease can resemble the common cold or bronchitis. As a result, parents unknowingly can give pertussis to their babies.
Symptoms of pertussis.
Symptoms of pertussis typically start 7–10 days after exposure. While there are 3 stages of the disease, many adults and adolescents never experience the severe coughing associated with the second stage.
Adults and adolescents can spread pertussis to others, including babies, even if they only have mild symptoms. If a baby catches pertussis, it can lead to serious complications and even death.3
Stage 1 (usually lasts 1–2 weeks)3
When a person first contracts pertussis, symptoms can be very mild and may resemble a common cold or bronchitis. Most people do not even know they have pertussis and usually go undiagnosed.3
These mild symptoms can include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Mild, occasional coughing
Stage 2 (usually lasts 1–6 weeks)3
After 1–2 weeks, some develop a more serious version of pertussis, which can cause severe coughing episodes.
Severe coughing episodes can cause:
- Vomiting
- Cracked ribs
- A hernia
Stage 3 (usually lasts 2–3 weeks)3
In this stage, coughing spasms gradually decrease in intensity and usually disappear after 2–3 weeks.
The best way to protect your baby is to get your baby and yourself vaccinated.
Adults and adolescents should get a pertussis booster to help protect them from contracting pertussis and passing it to others. Babies are at an increased risk of getting pertussis, so, in addition to getting your baby vaccinated, it is essential that you and those around your baby get vaccinated, too.9
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