As kids head back to school and fall sets in, it’s important to stay aware of respiratory illnesses that spread quickly in classrooms. One of those is whooping cough, also called pertussis. It’s more than just a cough — and knowing the signs, how it spreads, and how vaccines protect your family can make a big difference.
Symptoms to Watch For
Whooping cough starts off looking a lot like a cold — runny nose, mild cough, maybe a low fever. But within a couple of weeks, the cough can become much more severe:
- Long coughing fits
- A “whooping” sound when breathing in after a fit
- Vomiting after coughing
- Exhaustion from frequent coughing
In babies, the signs can be even harder to spot. They may stop breathing for short periods (apnea), turn bluish, or struggle to catch their breath — even without the classic “whoop.”
How It Spreads in Schools
Pertussis is highly contagious and spreads when someone coughs or sneezes. Schools and daycare centers create the perfect environment for germs to move quickly because kids are close together for long periods.
Even older kids and adults can pass it on — sometimes without realizing it — because protection from vaccines fades over time. That means family members can unknowingly bring it home to infants or grandparents.
What Parents Should Know About Vaccines
The pertussis vaccine is the best protection we have. Kids receive the DTaP vaccine in a series of shots, and older children, teens, and adults need a Tdap booster to keep their protection strong.
Research shows that vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of serious illness. However, immunity isn’t lifelong, which is why boosters matter — especially for school-age kids, adults who work around children, and pregnant women (to protect newborns).
What Parents Can Do
- Stay up to date: Check with your provider to make sure your child — and you — are current on DTaP/Tdap.
- Know the signs: Don’t ignore a cough that lingers or gets worse.
- Protect infants: Babies are at highest risk, so “cocooning” (making sure parents, siblings, and caregivers are vaccinated) helps keep them safe.
- See a doctor early: If you suspect whooping cough, early diagnosis and treatment can help ease symptoms and reduce spread.
Bottom Line
Whooping cough can spread quickly in schools this fall, but parents can help prevent it. Staying current on vaccines, watching for symptoms, and seeking care early are the best ways to keep kids — and the community — healthy.
Talk to your provider or visit Hometown Urgent Care to learn more about pertussis prevention and testing at our Clinical Research locations.