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Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells. Whooping cough can spread quickly from person to person.
Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms may include:
Later-stage symptoms happen after 1 or 2 weeks and can last for 10 weeks or more. Symptoms include:
Recovery from whooping cough can happen slowly. The cough becomes milder and happens less often. Coughing fits can still happen with other respiratory infections.
Although whooping cough can occur at any age, it is of greatest concern in babies and older adults. The disease can be prevented with pertussis vaccines.
Current as of: October 31, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Christine Hahn MD - Epidemiology
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