What Is Whooping Cough?

Protecting the health of our communities starts with the people who work closest with children and the broader public. But what can we do to protect our communities? One of the newest public health threats to watch is whooping cough. It presents like the common cold but is diagnosable based on the “whoop” noise a person makes when they gasp for air after a coughing fit. While most people will rebound from a case of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, the respiratory illness can be especially damaging to children and older adults. It is highly contagious.

Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It starts off with cold-like symptoms—runny nose, low fever and a mild cough—but quickly progresses to severe coughing fits that can last for weeks (or even months). Schools, in particular, are ideal environments for the spread of respiratory illnesses. Infected individuals are most contagious during the early, mild phase—before the classic coughing begins, which makes it difficult to detect and contain the virus quickly. Children who are not fully vaccinated, especially under age 1, are most at risk for complications, such as pneumonia, convulsions, encephalopathy and death.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

1. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: 

The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is recommended for all adults, especially those who work with children. If it’s been more than 10 years since your last booster, talk to your healthcare provider.

2. Promote Immunization: 

Encourage families to keep their children’s vaccinations current. Many outbreaks begin in communities with lower vaccination rates.

3. Know the Symptoms:

Early detection helps prevent spread. Be alert for persistent coughing in students and report concerns to the school nurse or administration promptly.

4. Practice Good Hygiene:

Reinforce handwashing, coughing into elbows and regular cleaning of shared surfaces. These measures help reduce the spread of many illnesses—not just whooping cough.

5. Stay Home If You're Sick:

Don’t try to power through a cough or cold. If you’re feeling unwell, especially with a persistent cough, seek medical advice and avoid contact with others until you’re cleared.

Final Thoughts

Preventing whooping cough is crucial. America has already outpaced the number of whooping cough cases in 2024, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with outbreaks continuing to grow across the country. While vaccines and hygiene go a long way in prevention, awareness is key. By understanding whooping cough and taking simple steps to protect yourself and your students, educators can help keep classrooms safe, healthy and focused on learning—not illness. The AFT has whooping cough resources for further reading here.