Whooping cough, or Pertussis, is a highly contagious infection of the lungs and airways, caused by the bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It is often recognized by its distinctive sound: a harsh, deep cough, followed by a distinctive “whoop” as individuals struggle to breathe.

Signs and symptoms

It’s not the type of infection anyone wants to get, especially as it tends to cause serious coughing fits lasting weeks to months. In some cases, it can cause choking and vomiting, and even lead to pneumonia, brain damage, or death.

Whooping cough infections are easily spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Often, the infection starts with a runny nose, sneezing, fever and mild cough that lasts for one-to-two weeks, followed by up to three months of severe coughing. While anyone can catch whooping cough, infants and children under the age of one are at highest risk of complications.

Is whooping cough contagious?

Individuals are most contagious during the first two weeks after coughing starts. Antibiotic treatment shortens the period of contagiousness to five days after treatment starts.

How is whopping cough treated?

If you are worried about a severe cough that is not going away, make an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner. A nasal test can confirm whether you have whooping cough. Once diagnosed, your health care provider can prescribe antibiotics to reduce your symptoms.

People who are diagnosed with pertussis should stay home until five days of antibiotic treatment have been completed to reduce spreading the infection to others.

Why should whooping cough concern me if I’m not pregnant or have young children at home?

While whooping cough is often more severe in these populations, it can affect people of all ages. Prolonged, intense coughing attacks in otherwise healthy adults can prevent you from sleeping well or may cause you to fracture a rib or rupture a blood vessel in the eyes.

Even if you were immunized for pertussis in childhood, your immunity wanes with time. Adolescents and adults who have not received a booster vaccination are at risk of infection and/or spreading the bacteria that causes whooping cough to others.

Is the whooping cough vaccine free in Alberta?

This vaccine is free. It’s recommended that people under the age of 18, in their third trimester of pregnancy (27 weeks), or adults who have not had a tetanus booster in the past 10 years get the Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Alberta Health Services also advises getting a booster in each pregnancy.

If you are unsure of the date of your last Tdap vaccine, talk to your health care provider or call HealthLink at 811 and speak to a registered nurse.

If you are getting immunized for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis for the first time, you need three doses.

Where can I get vaccinated?

As of July 1, 2024, adults can receive the dTap vaccine at their community pharmacy. Talk to your pharmacist to ask if they offer this service. You can also make an appointment to get immunized at your local community health centre or your doctor’s office.