What are the signs and symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis begins like a cold. Your child may have the following signs and symptoms: • A cough that may worsen after 7 to 14 days. After a coughing spell, it may seem like your child cannot get his next breath. When the coughing ends and your child takes a breath, he may make a “whooping” noise. When coughing, his face or fingertips may turn red, blue, or white because he is not getting enough oxygen. This part of the disease may last 14 days or longer. After 2 to 4 more weeks, your child will begin to feel better. The cough may last 1 to 3 months. • Higher than normal body temperature. • Mouth drooling. • No interest in eating or drinking, vomiting (throwing up) because of the coughing. • Red or watery eyes. • Sneezing, stuffy nose. • Tiredness. How is pertussis treated? • Antibiotic medicine: Antibiotic medicine may be used to treat pertussis after coughing begins. • Drink extra liquids: Encourage your child to drink small amounts of fluids every hour when awake. This will help preven
