Red flags & when to go in person for Pertussis (Whooping Cough) - Triage

Audience: adult

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory infection that causes severe coughing fits. It often starts like a common cold but can worsen over weeks. Adults may experience prolonged coughing spells that can be exhausting and sometimes cause vomiting or difficulty breathing. While many cases can be managed with rest and supportive care, pertussis can be serious, especially for infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms and decide if you need in-person care. However, certain warning signs mean you should seek urgent medical attention. This guide explains when to use telemedicine for pertussis symptoms, what red flags to watch for, and how to prepare for a telehealth visit. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Coughing spells causing blue lips, face, or loss of consciousness
• Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down after coughing

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking
• Providing advice on symptom management
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care
• Prescribing antibiotics if appropriate and local regulations allow

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination and lung auscultation
• Emergency interventions for severe breathing difficulty
• Administering vaccines or diagnostic tests
• Immediate treatment of severe complications

What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by *Bordetella pertussis*. It spreads through coughing or sneezing. The illness usually begins with mild cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough. After one to two weeks, severe coughing fits may develop. These fits can end with a "whooping" sound when breathing in, or cause vomiting. Adults may have less typical symptoms but can still spread the infection to others.

Common Symptoms of Pertussis in Adults

Adults with pertussis often experience:

Symptoms can be confused with other respiratory illnesses, so careful assessment is important.

When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Certain signs mean you should get medical care in person promptly:

If you notice these, go to an emergency room or urgent care.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider remotely. It can help you:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or emergency interventions.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment:

This preparation helps your provider assess your condition better.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep track of your symptoms and follow up as advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your symptoms and when they began
• Note any existing health conditions
• Prepare a list of current medications
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good internet
• Have a way to measure temperature if possible

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s instructions on medication and care
• Rest and stay well hydrated
• Monitor for worsening symptoms or red flags
• Seek in-person care if advised or if red flags develop
• Schedule follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen

FAQs

Can adults get whooping cough?

Yes, adults can get pertussis. Symptoms may be milder than in children but can still cause prolonged coughing and spread the infection to others.

Is pertussis contagious?

Yes, pertussis spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is important to avoid close contact with others if you have symptoms.

How is pertussis treated?

Pertussis is usually treated with antibiotics, which can reduce severity and contagiousness if started early. Supportive care like rest and fluids is also important.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, blue lips or face, fainting, severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration. These are serious symptoms needing immediate attention.

Can telemedicine diagnose pertussis?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and advise on next steps but cannot confirm diagnosis without physical tests. In-person evaluation may be needed for testing.

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 purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek immediate medical attention.