Is Whooping Cough On The Rise?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is making headlines again, and not in a good way. Over the past year, cases of this highly contagious respiratory illness have been rising steadily, and more people are becoming concerned. If you thought whooping cough was a disease of the past, you’re not alone—many people assume the same. However, the data tells a different story. The latest reports from the CDC reveal that cases are more than double what they were at this time last year, and numbers are now nearing pre-pandemic levels.

Whooping Cough might not sound as intimidating as some other diseases, but it’s important to take this bacterial illness seriously. Pertussis affects both children and adults and can cause severe coughing fits that last for weeks and lead to other serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations like babies. With the numbers on the rise, it’s critical to understand how the disease spreads, who is most at risk, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Why Are Whooping Cough Cases Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the recent rise in whooping cough cases, and it’s not just about the disease becoming more contagious. For years, the number of whooping cough cases has been increasing, with spikes seen in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. One major reason is that the effectiveness of the vaccine wanes over time, meaning that even people who have been vaccinated can become infected.

Additionally, we are now returning to pre-pandemic levels of social interaction. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people followed strict hygiene measures, social distancing, and mask-wearing, which inadvertently kept other respiratory illnesses, including whooping cough, at bay. However, as we return to normal activities, these protective behaviors have become less common, allowing whooping cough to spread more easily once again.

Furthermore, advancements in diagnostic testing have made it easier to identify whooping cough cases, contributing to the rise in reported numbers. There is also evidence suggesting that the bacteria that causes whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis, may have undergone genetic changes, making it more resistant to specific immune responses. All these factors combined mean we could be seeing whooping cough re-emerge in a significant way.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can contract whooping cough, certain groups are at higher risk for severe complications. Babies under one-year-old are particularly vulnerable. According to CDC data, about one-third of infants who contract whooping cough end up in the hospital, where they face complications such as pneumonia and apnea (pauses in breathing). For this reason, it’s crucial for anyone in close contact with young babies to be vaccinated and vigilant for early symptoms.

Older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk. These groups can experience more severe forms of the disease, and their underlying conditions may worsen if they contract whooping cough. Even healthy adults contracting pertussis can experience debilitating symptoms, including prolonged coughing fits that interfere with daily life and sleep.

How Whooping Cough Spreads

Whooping cough is spread in much the same way as the common cold or flu—through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Because it’s so contagious, it can quickly spread through households, schools, and workplaces. This is especially concerning in places like daycare centers or schools, where children who are not fully vaccinated can easily pass it on to one another.

One of the tricky aspects of whooping cough is that it often starts with symptoms that are nearly indistinguishable from a regular cold—runny nose, mild fever, and a cough. It’s only after a week or two that the classic “whoop” sound emerges, caused by the intense coughing fits that can last for weeks. By the time this stage hits, the infected person has likely already spread the bacteria to others.

Because early symptoms are so mild, many people don’t realize they have whooping cough until it’s too late. This delay in diagnosis makes it even more important to take preventative measures, especially if you or your loved ones have been exposed to someone with whooping cough.

Prevention: Vaccination Is Key

The best defense against whooping cough is vaccination. Babies receive the DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, while older children and adults receive the Tdap booster. It’s crucial that everyone stays up to date on their vaccinations to protect both themselves and the more vulnerable members of their community.

In particular, pregnant women are advised to get the Tdap vaccine during the third trimester of every pregnancy. This not only protects the mother but also helps shield the newborn during the first few months of life when they are too young to be vaccinated. According to the CDC, vaccinating mothers during pregnancy can protect 9 out of 10 babies from being hospitalized due to whooping cough.

Adults who haven’t received a Tdap booster in the last ten years should also make sure they’re protected, especially if they are around young children. Thanks to recent healthcare policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare beneficiaries can now receive the Tdap vaccine for free, making it easier than ever to stay protected.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Because whooping cough is so contagious, getting early treatment is vital. If diagnosed early, antibiotics can help reduce the severity of the infection and prevent further spread. Antibiotics may also be recommended for those who have been exposed to someone with whooping cough, even before they develop symptoms. This post-exposure prophylaxis can help prevent the bacteria from taking hold, reducing the risk of transmission in high-exposure settings.

For those with mild cases, the symptoms might resolve on their own, but for babies, young children, and older adults, medical intervention is often required. It’s especially important to monitor breathing in infants, as they may not exhibit the typical coughing fits but could have trouble breathing instead. If any severe symptoms arise, immediate medical care should be sought.

What to Do If You Suspect Whooping Cough

If you or a loved one starts exhibiting signs of whooping cough, such as a persistent cough that won’t go away, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis plays a key role in understanding the cause of the symptoms and minimizing potential spread to others.

Whooping cough can often be mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, so getting an accurate diagnosis is essential. A healthcare provider can confirm whether it’s whooping cough or another condition. If you’re unsure where to start, your primary care physician can guide you in the right direction.

If you need to be seen quickly, visiting a nearby urgent care center can help you access medical attention in a timely manner. TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track offers 20+ convenient locations across the Greater Tampa Bay area. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., they make it easy to access care when you need it most. You can also use their Save My Spot System to fill out forms electronically, ensuring an expedited check-in process.