Whooping cough how do you get it

Pertussis Whooping Cough. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Causes and Transmission. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. Related Pages. Related Links. Overview Whooping cough pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Nov. Kasper DL, et al. Pertussis and other Bordatella infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Cornia P, et al. Pertussis infection in adolescents and adults: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis.

Yeh S. Pertussis infection in infants and children: Clinical features and diagnosis. Pertussis infection in infants and children: Treatment and prevention. Tdap Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis vaccine information statements. Postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis. Steckelberg JM expert opinion. For You Children Patient Handouts. What is whooping cough? What causes whooping cough?

What are the symptoms of whooping cough? They may last for 1 to 2 weeks and can include Runny nose Mild fever Mild, occasional cough The early symptoms in babies can be different.

As whopping cough gets worse, the symptoms may include Fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound Vomiting during or after coughing fits Exhaustion after coughing fits The coughing fits get worse and start happening more often, especially at night.

How is whooping cough diagnosed? Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose whooping cough : A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms A physical exam A lab test which involves taking a sample of mucus from the back of the throat through the nose.

This may be done with a swab or syringe filled with saline. The sample is tested for the bacteria that causes whooping cough. Blood test Chest x-ray What are the treatments for whooping cough? Whooping cough can sometimes be very serious and require treatment in the hospital.

Can whooping cough be prevented? You may also help prevent the spread of whooping cough and other respiratory diseases by Washing your hands often with soap and water. You can use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch, including toys Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, not hands Staying home when sick Avoiding close contact with people who are sick Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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