Can Teens Get Whooping Cough?

Can Teenagers Get Whooping Cough?

• There are approximately 1 million cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, every year, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Though infants and babies are susceptible to the illness, teenagers and adults can also become victims of whooping cough. Teenagers can be especially susceptible because the whooping cough vaccinations given to children can wear out, leaving teenagers exposed when whooping cough strikes, says the Mayo Clinic. You or your teenager should ask her doctor if she should get another whooping cough vaccination.

Symptoms

• Teenagers may assume that their symptoms are a sign of a cold or a flu that will run its course, but whooping cough requires treatment, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. A runny nose, cough and low-grade fever are common initially, but after about two weeks, symptoms grow progressively worse, states the Mayo Clinic. Coughing fits may lead teenagers to gasp for breath at the end. Teenagers should limit contact with others, and especially toddlers and babies, as whooping cough is more likely to be severe in the very young.

Treatment

• A doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to teenagers suffering from whooping cough, says Boston Children's Hospital. In severe cases, a teenager may be hospitalized. Over-the-counter cough suppressants are discouraged because they have little effect on whooping cough. Getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet are two of the most important factors in recovery. A warm shower or bath can also provide relief to irritated lungs.

Additional Help

• It can take several weeks or even a few months for a teenager's whooping cough symptoms to completely subside, says KidsHealth, a child development site. However, a teenager should contact his doctor if symptoms do not improve after a few days of taking antibiotics, or if symptoms worsen. You may be suffering from another illness.