The illness begins about 1 or 2 weeks after exposure. If no complications develop, pertussis lasts about 6 to 10 weeks, progressing through three stages:

Culture of a sample of mucus

Children are routinely vaccinated against pertussis. The pertussis vaccine (P) Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine is usually combined with vaccines for diphtheria (D) and tetanus (Ta) as DTaP. DTaP is given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, at 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years ( see Figure: Childhood Vaccination Schedules Childhood Vaccination Schedules Vaccination protects children against many infectious diseases. Vaccines contain either noninfectious components of bacteria or viruses or whole forms of these organisms that have been weakened... read more ). Immunity from the vaccine tends to decrease 5 to 10 years after the last dose is given, so a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) is recommended at 11 to 12 years of age (see Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine Administration The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine is a combination vaccine that protects against these three diseases: Diphtheria usually causes inflammation of the throat and mucous membranes... read more ).

For seriously ill infants, hospitalization and isolation

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