How to prepare for a video visit about Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - Triage

Audience: adult

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits. Preparing for a video visit about pertussis helps you share important information with your healthcare provider to get the best advice. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, recent exposures, vaccination history, and any concerns you have. This guide explains how to prepare for your telemedicine appointment, what signs to watch for that need urgent care, and what telemedicine can and cannot do for pertussis. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and initial assessment but is not a substitute for in-person medical care when symptoms are severe or worsening. Being ready with clear information and questions will help your healthcare provider guide you safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Bluish color of lips or face — call emergency services right away.
• Persistent vomiting after coughing spells leading to dehydration — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing education about pertussis and its symptoms.
• Initial assessment of symptoms and exposure history.
• Guidance on testing options and preventive measures.
• Advice on when to seek in-person or emergency care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations or lung assessments.
• Collecting samples for laboratory testing (e.g., throat swabs).
• Administering treatments or emergency interventions.
• Managing severe or life-threatening symptoms remotely.

What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It spreads easily through coughing or sneezing. The infection causes severe coughing spells that may end with a "whooping" sound when you breathe in. It can affect people of all ages but is especially serious for infants and older adults.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather information about your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed. Note if you have had close contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis. Have your vaccination records ready. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection for the call. Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and possible exposure to pertussis. They may observe your breathing and cough through the video. Based on this, they will advise if you need testing, treatment, or in-person care. They will also discuss ways to protect others and prevent spread.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you experience difficulty breathing, blue lips or face, severe coughing that leads to vomiting, or if you are unable to drink fluids, seek emergency medical care immediately. These signs mean you need urgent in-person evaluation.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide education about pertussis, initial symptom assessment, advice on testing and treatment options, and guidance on when to seek in-person care. It helps reduce exposure risks by allowing you to stay home during early evaluation.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Pertussis

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, collect laboratory samples, or provide emergency interventions. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, you will need to visit a healthcare facility for full evaluation and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with reliable internet for your video visit.
• Have your symptoms timeline ready, including when coughing started and severity.
• Gather information about recent contacts with anyone diagnosed with pertussis.
• Prepare your vaccination history, including dates if possible.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.
• Have a list of current medications and any allergies available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on testing and treatment.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and note any changes or worsening.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading pertussis to others.
• Stay hydrated and rest as recommended.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

What causes pertussis and how is it spread?

Pertussis is caused by bacteria called *Bordetella pertussis*. It spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Close contact increases the risk of catching it.

Can I get treated through a video visit?

A video visit can help your provider assess symptoms and advise on treatment options, but actual treatment like antibiotics usually requires a prescription and sometimes in-person evaluation.

How long does pertussis usually last?

Pertussis symptoms can last several weeks to months. The coughing fits often worsen before they improve. Early treatment may help reduce severity and spread.

Is vaccination effective against pertussis?

Yes, vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis. Immunity can decrease over time, so booster shots may be recommended depending on your age and risk factors.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, blue lips or face, severe coughing causing vomiting, or dehydration from inability to drink fluids.

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. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or in-person care. If you have severe symptoms or urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.