30/01/2026
Its
Whooping cough or pertussis is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes - currently whooping cases are rising with the rates highest in babies under 6 months
For this reason it is very important for babies and children to be vaccinated as well as expectant mothers
Signs of whooping cough
* the first sign is similar to a cold (runny nose and sore throat)
* coughing that lasts for a few minutes usually worse at night
* cough may make a 'whoop' sound
* some difficulty breathing and colour changes to blue or grey
* may have a thick mucus which can make them vomit
You must see your GP or call 111 if
* your baby is under 6 months old with symptoms
* you or your child have a worsening cough
* you are pregnant and have been in contact with whooping cough
* you or your child have a weakened immune system and have been in contact with whooping cough
Whooping cough can be very severe in babies under 6 months with side effect such as:
* dehydration
* breathing difficulties
* pneumonia
* seizures
You must attend your nearest A&E or urgent care facility if:
* your child's lips, tongue, face or skin turn blue or grey
* difficulty breathing
* chest pain that's worse when coughing
* seizures
To ease symptoms get plenty of rest, keep hydrated and take paracetamol
The whooping cough vaccine is routinely offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks and again age . It is also routinely offered during pregnancy between 16 and 32 weeks to protect your unborn baby in the first few weeks of life
Sources: NHS, Gov.uk