Incubation period:
6-21 days.Infectious period:
from the first signs of the illness until about six weeks after coughing starts. If an antibiotic is given, the infectious period will continue for up to five days after starting treatment. Antibiotics need to be given early in the course of the illness in order to improve symptoms.
Symptoms:
- The symptoms are similar to a cold and cough, with the cough gradually getting worse.
- After about two weeks, coughing bouts start. These are exhausting and make it difficult to breathe.
- Younger children (babies under six months) are much more seriously affected and can have breath-holding or blue attacks, even before they develop a cough.
- Your child may choke and vomit.
- Sometimes, but not always, there will be a whooping noise as the child draws in breath after coughing.
- The coughing fits may continue for several weeks, and can continue for up to three months.
