Pertussis

Did You Know?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a contagious infection of the lungs and airways.

Pertussis is easily spread through droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing, and rarely through contact with contaminated objects.

Pertussis is also known as ‘whooping cough’ due to the intense coughing fits that cause a “whooping” sound when you try to catch your breath.

Each year, around 1,000 to 3,000 canadians fall ill from pertussis.

While anyone can get pertussis, it is the most dangerous for children less than one year old.
Symptoms may show up 7-to-10 days after becoming infected, and often beginning with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes, and a cough.
Two weeks after the coughing starts is when pertussis becomes the most contagious.

Severe cough (lasting for 2-to-8 weeks), choking and vomiting after coughing, difficulty breathing, feeding poorly.

Constant cough that lasts longer than a week, common cold symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and fever.

The DTaP vaccine is administered in infancy to prevent against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
The Tdap vaccine is administered as a booster to offer continued protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Any older children and adults who are in regular contact with an infant should ensure they are immunized and have received any boosters they require at least 2 weeks before being in contact with the infant.

Infants, children, and adolescents:

Booster shots for adults

Where do I get the vaccine?

You can get the pertussis (DTaP and Tdap) vaccine from your family healthcare provider.