Information Sheet
June 2024
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can sometimes cause serious problems. It's important for babies and children to get vaccinated against it.

Check if you or your child has whooping cough.
The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon).
  • After about a week, you or your child:
  • Will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night
  • May make a "whoop" sound – a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not "whoop")
  • May have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants)
  • May bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomit
  • May become very red in the face (more common in adults)
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The cough may last for several weeks or months.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
  • your baby is under 6 months old and has symptoms of whooping cough
  • you or your child have a very bad cough that is getting worse
  • you've been in contact with someone with whooping cough and you're pregnant
  • you or your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough and have a weakened immune system

Whooping cough can spread very easily. It's best to call the GP before you go in to a practice. They might suggest talking over the phone.

Check symptoms on 111 online (for children aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).

If you're pregnant you should also have the whooping cough vaccine – ideally between 16 and 32 weeks.

Find out more about the whooping cough vaccination in pregnancy, click the link below.
Link to NHS
Look at our available courses and receive qualified, professional
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