THE SYMPTOMS OF PERTUSSIS
Learn how to recognize this serious disease
There are three stages of pertussis: the catarrhal stage, the paroxysmal stage, and the convalescent stage. Overall, adolescents and adults usually have mild symptoms that can be mistaken for other, less severe infections. However, such people are still contagious and can easily pass the disease to unprotected infants.1
Stage 1: catarrhal
The first stage of pertussis, called the catarrhal stage, usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks. This stage includes symptoms similar to the common cold1:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Low fever
- Mild, occasional cough
The cough gradually becomes more severe over the course of 1 to 2 weeks.1
Stage 2: paroxysmal
The second stage of pertussis is called the paroxysmal stage. This stage usually lasts 1 to 6 weeks. It’s during the paroxysmal stage that the most severe coughing occurs.1
- During this stage, people with pertussis experience bursts of many, rapid coughs1
- Following a series of coughs, people often make a “whoop” sound as they struggle to breathe in air1
- Vomiting and exhaustion are common following a coughing spell1
Stage 3: convalescence
The third and final stage of pertussis is the convalescent stage. It is during this time that the cough becomes less severe. After 2 to 3 weeks, the cough disappears. However, other respiratory infections may cause severe coughing for many months after getting pertussis.1
Vaccination is one of the best ways to help your family and yourself stay protected against pertussis. Talk to your doctor today about pertussis protection for both adults and adolescents with ADACEL vaccine.
Back
Click below to learn more about pertussis.
What is pertussis?
Listen to the cough
The symptoms of pertussis
How is pertussis spread?
Pertussis complications
Reported cases of pertussis remain high
Pertussis stories
Reference: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S, eds. 10th ed. Washington DC: Public Health Foundation, 2007.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Indication
Adacel vaccine is given as a single dose to people 11 through 64 years of age for active booster immunization for the prevention of tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Safety Information
Side effects to Adacel vaccine include injection site pain, redness, and swelling; headache, body ache, tiredness, and fever. Tell your doctor if you have ever experienced a severe brain disorder, such as encephalopathy (altered consciousness) or Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness), after a previous dose of a tetanus toxoid- or pertussis-containing vaccine. Other side effects may occur. Vaccination with Adacel vaccine may not protect all people receiving the vaccine.
For more information about Adacel vaccine, talk to your health-care professional.
Last modified: 2/20/09
