08/05/2026
🦠 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is more than just a prolonged cough.
Think of it when a child has: 😮💨 Paroxysmal coughing fits
🤮 Post-tussive vomiting
🔊 Inspiratory “whoop”
⏸️ Apnea in infants
High-yield facts: • Caused by Bordetella pertussis
• PCR = most sensitive test
• Culture = gold standard
• Macrolides reduce transmission if given early
⚠️ Infants < 6 months are at highest risk for severe disease and complications.
💉 Best prevention? DTaP vaccination.
for educational porpuse only