Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.

As we move past the pandemic, a surprising illness is making a strong comeback: whooping cough. Cases have surged dramatically, raising serious concerns for families, especially those with young kids.

What’s behind this alarming rise, and how can you protect your loved ones?


Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious complications, particularly in infants and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While it's most commonly associated with its namesake “whoop” sound following a coughing fit, there are other symptoms that can be easily overlooked but are just as critical to recognize.


Initially, whooping cough may masquerade as a common cold, presenting with symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever.

However, as the infection progresses, it reveals its true nature through more severe symptoms.


Here are three unexpected signs that what you might think is just a stubborn cold could actually be whooping cough:

1. Runny Nose and Congestion
These symptoms are often dismissed as typical cold symptoms, but in the context of whooping cough, they can be the first warning signs of the infection taking hold.

2. Vomiting After Coughing
A particularly distinctive symptom of whooping cough is vomiting following intense coughing spells. This occurs due to the severe nature of the cough that can irritate the throat and stomach.

3. Exhaustion from Coughing
The relentless coughing associated with whooping cough can lead to extreme fatigue and difficulty sleeping, which are often not expected with a common cold.


Whooping cough cases have seen a substantial increase since 2023, with a 169% rise in reported cases according to the CDC.

The reasons behind the surge in whooping cough cases are multifaceted. A key factor is the waning immunity from vaccines.

The TDAP vaccine, which includes protection against pertussis, is recommended for adults every ten years, but its efficacy can diminish after five years. This, coupled with a lack of booster shots among adults, has contributed to decreased herd immunity.

Additionally, the social distancing and masking practices during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a temporary decline in whooping cough cases. Now, with the relaxation of these measures, we're seeing an uptick in infections.


Prevention is always better than cure, and this is particularly true for whooping cough. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is crucial.

For adults and children over seven, the TDAP vaccine is recommended, while infants and children under seven should receive the DTaP vaccine.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has contracted whooping cough, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Early treatment with antibiotics can mitigate the severity of the illness and prevent its spread to others. Remember, while antibiotics can help contain the infection, the cough may persist for weeks as the lungs heal.


We at The GrayVine encourage our community to take these warnings seriously. Review your family's vaccination records and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure everyone is protected.

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, especially in combination, don't hesitate to get tested for whooping cough.

Together, we can safeguard our health and the well-being of our loved ones.
Have you or someone you know been affected by whooping cough? What measures have you found effective in preventing it? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.