Key takeaways: Pertussis is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits. Babies may not whoop; instead they may gag, turn blue, or stop breathing. It’s most dangerous for babies under a year, especially under 2 months. The best protection is the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, the DTaP series for babies, and vaccinated close contacts.
Whooping cough is very contagious and can be life-threatening for babies.
How It Starts
It often starts like a cold: runny nose, mild cough, and low or no fever. After 1 to 2 weeks, coughing fits can begin.
Signs in Babies
- Coughing fits that may end in gagging or vomiting.
- Apnea: pauses in breathing.
- Blue or gray color around the lips.
- Trouble feeding.
- The “whoop” may be absent in babies.
Who’s at Risk
Babies too young to be fully vaccinated. Many babies catch it from family members.
Treatment
- Antibiotics, such as azithromycin, given early can reduce severity and spread.
- Hospital care is often needed for young babies.
- Close contacts may be given antibiotics to prevent illness.
Prevention
- Tdap during each pregnancy, ideally early in the third trimester (27 to 36 weeks). Antibodies pass to the baby and help protect them before they can be vaccinated.
- DTaP vaccine series for babies, starting at 2 months.
- Vaccinated close contacts: caregivers and family members should be up to date on pertussis vaccines.
- Keep sick people away from your baby.
Call 911 if your baby: stops breathing, turns blue or gray, or has severe trouble breathing. Call your doctor right away for coughing fits, coughing that leads to vomiting or color change, or exposure to someone with pertussis.
The Bottom Line
Pertussis is dangerous for babies. Vaccination during pregnancy, on-time infant vaccines, and vaccinated caregivers offer the best protection.
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis (whooping cough): signs and symptoms; vaccination during pregnancy. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Committee Opinion No. 718: Update on immunization and pregnancy: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccination. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(3):e153-e157.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Whooping cough (pertussis). HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
