Whooping cough earns its nickname the hundred-day cough because the illness can linger, and recovery often takes substantial time. Infections expert and physician of medical sciences, Andrey Pozdnyakov, shared insights on the dangers of pertussis and how it presents itself in patients. He notes that this respiratory illness is spread through airborne droplets and is not as contagious as some other infections, though it still requires close, prolonged contact to spread. Outbreaks tend to cluster in environments where people gather in close quarters, such as kindergartens, schools, boarding facilities, and military units. The incubation period can stretch from a week to several weeks, with initial symptoms resembling a mild cough and overall well-being before progressing into a more persistent, paroxysmal cough that lasts beyond a week. The progression typically begins with a simple cough and normal temperature before the characteristic severe coughing fits emerge. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)
The causative agent of pertussis releases a toxin that triggers frequent coughing episodes. These spells can be accompanied by breath holding, spasmodic breathing, and sometimes vomiting following coughs. This reflexive pattern remains the distinctive hallmark of whooping cough, often appearing about ten to twelve days after the onset of illness. In the early stages, patients may not have fever, and they may feel largely well, which can delay treatment decisions. Early antibiotic therapy is most effective when started from the first days of symptoms, but if antibiotics are delayed, management shifts toward symptomatic relief rather than curative antibiotics alone. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)
According to the physician, the disease commonly prompts a rapid sequence of coughing with brief pauses in breathing, sometimes leading to faintness or vomiting after fits. This pattern is what clinicians look for when diagnosing pertussis in its initial phase, though a patient may initially present with a ordinary cough and no fever. Early intervention with appropriate antibiotics remains a crucial element of care, while later stages focus on reducing coughing and supporting recovery. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)
The danger posed by pertussis lies in episodes of apnea, where breathing temporarily stops during extended coughing spells. These pauses can last several seconds and, in infants, pose a serious risk because they can deprive the brain of oxygen. In newborns, apnea may occur with greater frequency due to developmental factors, and this is a major reason why pertussis poses heightened risk for very young children. In addition to breathing disruptions, bacterial pneumonia can accompany the illness and lead to severe complications or, in rare cases, death. This combination makes pertussis especially dangerous for infants under one year who often require inpatient care, while older children and adults may be managed as outpatients with appropriate monitoring. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)
Public health experts have previously cautioned that vaccination should be prioritized as a preventive measure, particularly to protect vulnerable populations during flu seasons when respiratory illnesses circulate more widely. The emphasis on vaccination reflects a broader strategy to reduce pertussis incidence and minimize severe outcomes, especially in infants who face the highest risk. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)
With pertussis awareness rising, medical professionals stress ongoing vigilance and timely discussion with healthcare providers about vaccination status, exposure, and early signs of coughing that does not improve. The aim is to prevent severe complications by catching the illness early and choosing the most appropriate course of care for each patient. (attribution: Andrey Pozdnyakov, INVITRO-Siberia)