FAQ
How serious is whooping cough?
Page last updated 11 December 2018
Whooping cough can be serious and life-threatening to babies. They are at increased risk until they’ve received 3 doses of vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
Whooping cough can be debilitating for adults. It is sometimes called the 100-day cough because the average duration of cough for an adult with whooping cough is 3 months.
Sources & Citations
- NHMRC. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. 2013; 10th edition: Pertussis: 302 – 316. Available at: http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook10-home~handbook10part4~handbook10-4-12