Whooping cough, sometimes referred to as pertussis, is an infection of the lining of the airways. It mainly affects the windpipe (trachea) and the two airways that branch off from it to the lungs (the bronchi).
The condition can be unpleasant. It's known as whooping cough because the main symptom is a hacking cough, which is often followed by a sharp intake of breath that sounds like a 'whoop'.
Other symptoms include a runny nose, raised temperature, severe coughing fits and vomiting after coughing.
See your GP if you notice any of the symptoms of whooping cough.
Whooping cough is highly infectious. The condition is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis, which can be passed from person to person through droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. Read more about what causes whooping cough.
Who is at risk?
Whooping cough usually affects babies and young children, although teenagers and adults can develop the condition.
Whooping cough tends to be most severe in young babies. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Read more about whooping cough complications.
Vaccination
In the UK, children are vaccinated against whooping cough at two, three and four months of age, and again before starting school at about three years and four months of age. Read more about preventing whooping cough.
Although the number of cases of whooping cough has fallen dramatically since vaccination began, it is still possible for children to get the infection, so having the vaccination is vital.
The effects of the whooping cough vaccination can fade over time and it is possible to develop the condition during adulthood even if you were previously vaccinated. However, the symptoms are usually less serious than they are during childhood.
Treating whooping cough
Whooping cough can be treated successfully with antibiotics and most people make a full recovery.
Babies and young children are likely to be admitted to hospital as they are most at risk of severe complications. They will be treated in isolation to prevent the infection spreading and will be given antiobiotics into a vein through a drip (intravenously).
Read more about treating whooping cough.
