J-Term Hours

Disease Spotlight: Pertussis

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It’s known for the “whoop” noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit, a symptom that affects about a third of those who get this infection.

In the United States, as of November 9, 2024, more than five times as many pertussis cases have been reported in 2024 compared to the same time in 2023. Additionally, as of December 13, 2024, Wisconsin has 2,245 confirmed cases of pertussis statewide. Cases have also risen in several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and Peru. Before traveling, individuals should check for any travel health notices related to pertussis for their destination. Travelers should also protect themselves, their family, and their community by getting the pertussis vaccine.

What are the symptoms?

It usually takes five to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that causes pertussis. Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as three weeks. At first, a person with pertussis may seem like they have a cold. Early symptoms include low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F), slight cough, and runny or stuffed up nose. After one or two weeks, the cough progresses to rapid, violent, and uncontrollable coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last one to six weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues. The cough causes other symptoms, such as:

• Difficulty breathing.
• Needing to take a deep breath that makes a “whoop” sound.
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits.
• Having difficulty sleeping at night.

Pertussis vaccines are effective, but vaccinated people can still get pertussis; people who have been vaccinated but still get pertussis generally experience a milder illness.

How is it spread?

The bacteria that cause pertussis can spread easily from person to person through the air. When a person with pertussis sneezes or coughs, they release small particles of the bacteria that other people can then breathe. These bacteria can spread when people spend a lot of time together or share breathing space.

How is it treated?

It’s very important to treat pertussis early, before coughing fits begin. Health care providers generally treat pertussis with antibiotics.

Travel recommendations

The best way to prevent pertussis is by getting vaccinated with the Tdap or DTaP vaccines. These vaccines provide protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. For the best protection against pertussis, travelers should plan to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before they depart.

If their trip is less than two weeks away and they are not protected against pertussis, they should still get a dose of the pertussis vaccine.

Tdap for adults:

• Anytime for those who have never been vaccinated
• Every 10 years

Frequently Asked Questions:

I feel like I am always sick. What can I do to prevent getting sick?

• Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, regular exercise, drink plenty of water.
• Wash your hands frequently, but especially before you eat and after using the restroom.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Keep up to date with vaccines, especially influenza and COVID vaccines.
• If you have asthma or other respiratory disease, be sure to take your scheduled inhalers and medications as prescribed.

What should I do if I get sick?

• Stay home if you are sick.
• You may return to your normal activities when you are:
  • Fever free for at least 24 hours (without Tylenol or ibuprofen.)
  • Symptoms are improving.
• Avoid those at risk for severe illness such as the very young, the very old, those that are pregnant, and those with complex disease.

When should I schedule an appointment?

• Fever greater than 100.4F for greater than 3 days.
• If symptoms last greater than 10-14 days and show no signs of improvement or are worsening.
• If you feel you have strep throat, intense throat pain, headache, or sinus pain.
• If fever returns after being fever free for greater than 24 hours without medications.
• Difficulty swallowing or inability to tolerate any oral fluids.
• With any shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty or painful breathing, or other concerning symptoms.
• If you would like to speak with a medical provider about any concerning symptoms.

How can I schedule an appointment at Student Health?

• Log into the Student Health Portal (mywellness.uwosh.edu) with your NetID and password to schedule an appointment online.
• Call us at (920) 424-2424.
• Stop into Radford Hall and schedule an appointment at the front desk.

I think I have a cold, how long will it last?

• Most cases of the viral common cold get better without treatment within 7-10 days.
• Cough is sometimes the last symptom to resolve and can last up to 2-4 weeks.
• Antibiotics do not treat cold viruses. They are used to treat illnesses caused by bacteria.

I’m sick, can I go to class?

• It is okay to go to class if you are fever free for at least 24 hours (without Tylenol or ibuprofen), symptoms are improving, and you are feeling well enough to attend.
• Be sure to email professors and keep them updated. Let them know you are sick and when you plan to return to class. Inquire about any make-up work.
• When you return to class, wear a mask, cover your cough, wash your hands, and socially distance.

I tested positive for COVID-19, do I need to isolate?

• No, CDC no longer recommends an isolation period, however, keep in mind that you may still be contagious. Stay home if you are sick and follow recommendations above to prevent the spread to others.

Can I get a medical excuse for my professors?

• It is the policy of the UWO Student Health Center (SHC) not to provide students with excuses for short-term absences from class or missed deadlines due to illness, injury, or mental health appointments.
• In the event of a prolonged illness or injury requiring medical attention and an absence of more than three days, we work with student and the UWO Dean of Students Office if needed to provide documentation.
• Documentation of mental health illnesses is generally provided only to those clients with whom we have an ongoing or formerly established therapeutic relationship.
• See SHC policy for further information.

Helpful Resources:

• Protect Yourself from Respiratory Viruses
• Upper Respiratory Infection
• Winter Illness Guide