Whooping Cough in 2025: What You Need to Know About the 100-Day Cough

• 15th March 2025

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1. What is Whooping Cough?
2. Why Is Whooping Cough Still a Problem?
3. What Are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?
4. How Does the 100-Day Cough Affect Adults?
5. Who Is Most at Risk from Whooping Cough?
6. How Can You Prevent Whooping Cough?
7. How to Get Rid of the 100-Day Cough
8. Final Thoughts

Whooping cough, or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that starts with mild cold-like symptoms before progressing into severe coughing fits. It mainly affects infants, unvaccinated adults, and those with waning immunity, making early detection and prevention crucial. With fading immunity and varying vaccine uptake, the risk of outbreaks remains high.

Key takeaways:

• Early detection is crucial as whooping cough starts mild but quickly escalates into severe, persistent coughing fits.
• Waning immunity and low vaccine uptake heighten outbreak risks, especially for infants and unvaccinated adults.
• Vaccination is the best prevention, while early antibiotics and symptom management help reduce severity and spread.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, which attacks the respiratory system and produces toxins that inflame and damage the airways. It starts with mild cold-like symptoms but soon progresses into violent, uncontrollable coughing fits that can last for months, earning it the nickname 100-day cough.

Why Is Whooping Cough Still a Problem?

The Whooping cough cases in 2025 are on the rise, with outbreaks becoming more frequent due to waning immunity and gaps in vaccination coverage. Once thought to be under control, this contagious 100-day cough has resurged, particularly among infants, unvaccinated adults, and those whose immunity has weakened over time.

Several factors are contributing to the increase in cases:

• Declining vaccination rates – Fewer people are receiving booster doses, leading to reduced immunity and higher transmission risks.
• Post-pandemic immunity gaps – Social distancing during COVID 100-day cough outbreaks temporarily suppressed infections, but it also prevented natural immune boosting, leaving populations more vulnerable.
• Highly contagious nature – The Bordetella pertussis bacteria spreads easily through airborne droplets, making unvaccinated individuals more susceptible.
• Regional variations in immunisation – Areas with lower vaccine uptake are seeing higher infection rates, increasing the spread of the 100-day cough 2025.

As a result, whooping cough remains a public health challenge, particularly for infants and those with weakened immunity. Addressing these gaps through increased vaccination efforts and public awareness is essential to reducing transmission.

What Are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?

The 100-day cough 2025 symptoms typically develop in stages, starting with mild cold-like signs before progressing into severe coughing fits that can last for months. Recognising these symptoms early is crucial for treatment and preventing transmission.

Early Symptoms (First 1-2 Weeks):

• Runny nose, mild fever, occasional cough, and fatigue (resembles a common cold).
• Symptoms may be mistaken for a 100-day cold, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Severe Symptoms (Weeks 2-6):

• Intense, uncontrollable coughing fits, often leading to vomiting.
• The characteristic “whoop” sound when gasping for air.
• Coughing episodes become more frequent, especially at night, disrupting sleep.

Prolonged Symptoms (Weeks 6-12+):

• Persistent cough, particularly during the night, leading to severe sleep disruption.
• Lingering irritation in the throat and chest discomfort.
• In 90-day cough in adults, symptoms may be milder but still cause prolonged coughing and fatigue.

How Does the 100-Day Cough Affect Adults?

While whooping cough is often more severe in infants and young children, the 100-day cough in adults can still cause persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. Though typically milder, the prolonged coughing fits can lead to sleep disruption, fatigue, and chest discomfort.

Why Adults Need to Take the 100-Day Cough Seriously:

• Milder but prolonged symptoms – The 90-day cough in adults may not cause the classic “whoop” sound, but chronic coughing, exhaustion, and difficulty sleeping are common.
• Silent carriers – Adults with a lingering cough can unknowingly spread the infection to infants and vulnerable individuals, increasing transmission risks.
• Need for booster vaccinations – Over time, immunity wanes, making adults susceptible to reinfection. The 100-day cough adults treatment UK guidelines recommend booster doses to prevent illness and reduce public health risks.

Even if symptoms aren’t severe, adults play a crucial role in preventing the spread of whooping cough, making vaccination and early treatment essential.

Who Is Most at Risk from Whooping Cough?

The contagious 100-day cough poses the greatest risk to certain vulnerable groups, particularly those with weakened immunity or incomplete vaccination. While anyone can contract whooping cough, some individuals face a higher risk of severe complications and prolonged illness.

High-Risk Groups:

• Infants under 3 months old – The most at risk of serious complications like pneumonia, breathing difficulties, and hospitalisation. Their immune systems are still developing, and they rely on maternal antibodies or early vaccination for protection.
• Elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions – A weakened immune response increases susceptibility, and persistent coughing can lead to serious respiratory issues or worsening of pre-existing conditions.
• Adults without a recent booster shot – Immunity from childhood vaccinations fades over time. Without a booster, adults are at risk of infection and unknowingly spreading the 100-day cough 2025 to vulnerable individuals.
• Unvaccinated individuals – Those without vaccination are at a higher risk of severe infection and prolonged illness. The 100-day cold 2025 can initially appear as a mild illness but can escalate into severe coughing fits that persist for months.

Protecting these high-risk groups requires widespread vaccination, early symptom recognition, and public awareness to limit the spread of whooping cough.

How Can You Prevent Whooping Cough?

The most effective way to avoid whooping cough is through vaccination and hygiene practices. Since the infection is highly contagious, taking preventive steps can reduce transmission and protect high-risk individuals, especially infants and the elderly.

Key Strategies for 100-Day Cough Prevention:

• Vaccination is the best defence – The whooping cough vaccine is part of routine childhood immunisation, with booster doses recommended for teenagers and adults to maintain protection.
• Maternal vaccination during pregnancy – Expecting mothers should receive a whooping cough vaccine between 20 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, helping protect newborns who are too young for their own vaccinations.
• Hygiene measures – Frequent handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can reduce the spread of the 100-day cough.
• Reducing exposure in high-risk settings – Wearing masks in crowded areas and staying home when symptomatic helps prevent outbreaks, particularly in healthcare and childcare environments.

How to Get Rid of the 100-Day Cough: Treatment and Recovery

Recovering from whooping cough can be a long process, as severe coughing fits may persist for weeks or even months. While medical treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce contagiousness, home remedies also play a crucial role in recovery.

Medical Treatment:

• Antibiotics – These are most effective in the early stages before severe coughing begins. Once the coughing fits start, antibiotics won’t shorten the illness, but they can still help prevent transmission.
• Symptom relief – While there’s no cure for whooping cough, cough suppressants, hydration, and humidifiers can help ease irritation and discomfort.
• When to seek medical attention – If symptoms worsen, or if there are signs of pneumonia, severe breathing difficulties, or dehydration, medical intervention is necessary.

Home Remedies & Lifestyle Adjustments:

• Rest and hydration – Drinking plenty of fluids and allowing the body to recover helps manage symptoms.
• Avoiding irritants – Smoke, dust, and strong fragrances can worsen coughing fits and prolong recovery.
• Keeping the air moist – Using a humidifier or steam inhalation can soothe irritated airways.

For adults, the 100-day cough adults treatment UK guidelines focus on managing symptoms and preventing transmission. While recovery takes time, early treatment and supportive care can make the symptoms more manageable and reduce complications.

Final Thoughts

Whooping cough remains a persistent health threat, especially for infants, unvaccinated individuals, and those with waning immunity. What may start as a mild, cold-like illness can quickly turn into prolonged, uncontrollable coughing fits that last for months, disrupting daily life and posing serious risks to vulnerable groups. The resurgence of cases highlights the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations and recognising symptoms early to prevent further spread.

While treatment can help manage symptoms, prevention remains the most effective defence. Ensuring widespread immunisation, maintaining good hygiene practices, and seeking medical advice when symptoms persist are key steps in protecting yourself and those around you. With greater awareness and proactive measures, the impact of the 100-day cough can be reduced, keeping communities safer from this long-lasting illness.

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