Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough or the Hundred Day Cough, is a very contagious illness that causes a long-lasting, severe cough. The cough can last for weeks — even months! And while it can affect anyone, it’s especially serious for kids who haven’t had all their vaccines yet.
Signs to Watch For
Think your child might have whooping cough? Here are some clues:- A family member or close contact has had a cough for weeks
- Your child can’t catch their breath between coughing fits
- You hear a "whoop" sound when they breathe in after a coughing spell
- The cough has stuck around for more than 2–3 weeks
- Vomiting or turning pale/blue after a coughing fit (more common in younger kids)
Other things like asthma, allergies, reflux, or even post-nasal drip can also cause a lingering cough, but it’s better to be safe and check in if symptoms don’t improve.
The Three Stages
Whooping cough changes over time. Here’s what to expect:- The Beginning (Catarrhal Stage – 1 to 2 weeks)
a. It starts off like a regular cold with a mild cough, runny nose, and maybe a slight fever. - The Worst Part (Paroxysmal Stage – 2 to 8 weeks)
a. The cough gets worse, and kids may:- Have long fits of coughing
- Struggle to breathe or even gag
- Seem worse at night
- Turn a bit grey/blue
- Possibly vomit after coughing
- The Wind Down (Convalescent Stage – 3+ weeks)
a. The cough slowly starts to fade, but it can linger for a long time (sometimes more than 100 days!)
It Doesn’t Always Look the Same
- Older kids and teens may just have a stubborn cold-like cough, or even no symptoms at all.
- Babies are at a much higher risk. Whooping cough can cause serious complications like breathing issues, pneumonia, and even seizures. Most deaths from whooping cough happen in infants under 6 months who haven’t finished their vaccines.
What to Do
If your child has been coughing for a while, especially if they’ve been around someone else who’s sick, it’s a good idea to talk to a provider. Our Urgent Care for Kids team is here to help you figure out if it’s actually whooping cough and guide you through next steps.
✅ Vaccination is the best protection against serious illness with whooping cough, especially for young children.
Resources:
- “Pertussis infections in infants and children.” UpToDate, 06 May 2024.
- “Pertussis Surveillance and Trends.” CDC. Whooping Cough (Pertussis), 22 Apr. 2025
