Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis (Whooping Cough): What UC Davis Students Need to Know

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. It can affect all ages but spreads easily in close-contact settings like college campuses through coughing, sneezing, or sharing personal items. Those most at risk for pertussis include:

Infants under 12 months, especially those too young to be fully vaccinated
Unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals
Pregnant individuals (risk to both parent and newborn)
People with weakened immune systems
Healthcare and childcare workers regularly exposed to respiratory illnesses

Signs and Symptoms

Pertussis often begins with cold-like symptoms that can be mistaken for a mild respiratory infection. However, it progresses over time and becomes more serious. Symptoms may include:

Persistent coughing fits that can last several weeks
A high-pitched "whoop" sound during inhalation after coughing (more common in children, but possible in young adults)
Vomiting after coughing
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Fatigue due to prolonged coughing episodes
Low-grade fever
Nasal congestion or runny nose in early stages

It is important to note that symptoms can vary, especially in vaccinated individuals, who may present with a less severe but still contagious form of the illness.

How to Protect Yourself

Prevention is key when it comes to pertussis. You can help protect yourself and your community by taking the following steps:

Stay up to date with vaccinations. The Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine is recommended for all young adults and should be boosted every 10 years.
Practice good respiratory hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if washing is not possible.
Avoid close contact with individuals who are coughing or showing signs of illness.

What to Do If You Think You Have Pertussis

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with pertussis or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough, early medical evaluation is critical. Timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.

UC Davis students have several options for seeking medical care:

Call the Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) Advice Nurse at (530) 752-2349. A nurse can help assess your symptoms and provide guidance on next steps.
Make an appointment with a provider at the Wellness Center through the Health-e-Messaging portal or by calling the SHCS Appointment Desk at (530) 752-2349.
UC SHIP students may also utilize LiveHealth Online

Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat pertussis, particularly in the early stages. If you are diagnosed, it’s important to stay home, follow treatment instructions carefully, and avoid contact with others until your healthcare provider confirms you are no longer contagious.