Can Telemedicine Treat Pertussis (Whooping Cough)? - Triage Guidance for Adults

Audience: adult

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits. Telemedicine can help by providing education, initial assessment, and guidance on managing symptoms. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms, exposure history, and vaccination status to determine if you might have pertussis and whether you need further testing or treatment. However, because pertussis can lead to serious complications, especially in adults with other health problems, some cases require in-person care. Telemedicine is useful for triage and follow-up but cannot replace physical exams or urgent treatments when symptoms worsen. If you have severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, seek emergency care immediately. Using telemedicine can help you get timely advice while reducing exposure risks and guiding you on when to see a healthcare provider in person.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Persistent chest pain or pressure during coughing — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Bluish color of lips or face (cyanosis) — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for pertussis symptoms.
• Providing education about pertussis and infection control.
• Prescribing antibiotics when appropriate and safe after assessment.
• Monitoring mild symptoms and providing follow-up advice.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations such as lung auscultation.
• Administering diagnostic tests like nasopharyngeal swabs for pertussis.
• Managing severe respiratory distress or complications.
• Providing emergency interventions for severe symptoms.
• Hospitalization or advanced supportive care.

What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by *Bordetella pertussis*. It spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The infection causes intense coughing spells that may end with a "whooping" sound when breathing in. Adults often have milder symptoms than children but can still spread the infection to others. Vaccination helps prevent pertussis but immunity can decrease over time.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Pertussis

Telemedicine allows you to speak with a healthcare provider remotely using video or phone. For pertussis, telemedicine can be used to:

This approach reduces the risk of spreading infection and helps you get timely guidance.

When In-Person Care is Needed

Some situations require physical exams or urgent treatment that telemedicine cannot provide. Seek in-person care if you experience:

Emergency care may be necessary for serious complications.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To make the most of your tele-visit:

This helps the provider assess your condition accurately.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

Keep follow-up appointments if recommended to ensure recovery.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List all your current symptoms with onset dates.
• Know your vaccination history, especially pertussis vaccines.
• Have a thermometer ready to check your temperature.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet or phone connection.
• List current medications and any allergies.
• Be ready to describe your cough and breathing difficulties clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, even if symptoms improve.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any worsening signs.
• Avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading infection.
• Seek immediate care if you develop red-flag symptoms.
• Attend follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as advised.

FAQs

Can antibiotics cure pertussis?

Antibiotics can help reduce the severity and duration of pertussis if started early. They also help prevent spreading the infection to others. However, coughing may continue for weeks even after treatment.

Is pertussis contagious during the entire cough period?

Pertussis is most contagious during the early stages, especially before and shortly after coughing begins. After about two weeks of appropriate antibiotic treatment, the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly.

Can adults get vaccinated against pertussis?

Yes, adults can receive a pertussis booster vaccine, often combined with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines. This helps maintain immunity and reduce the risk of infection and spreading pertussis to others.

When should I go to the emergency room for pertussis?

Go to the emergency room if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue lips or face, severe coughing causing vomiting or fainting, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urine.

Can telemedicine replace all care for pertussis?

Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment, education, and follow-up but cannot replace physical exams, diagnostic testing, or emergency treatments needed for severe cases.

Sources

1. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Whooping Cough (Pertussis) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Pertussis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation or emergency care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.