The distinctive high-pitched sound of someone gasping for air in the severe coughing spasms associated with pertussis explains why it is commonly known as ‘whooping cough’. 

“Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection, and most people recover after a prolonged period of coughing, but for some it can lead to pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening complications – especially for young children, pregnant women and older people,” says general practitioner (GP) Dr Rubena Sathar, who practises at Netcare Medicross Cape Road. 

After a few quiet years, pertussis cases have increased slightly in 2025, according to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD). “While the numbers are relatively low, it’s the highly contagious nature of pertussis that makes it potentially concerning, and for this reason, it is a notifiable condition. Prevention is always better than cure, because you never know when pertussis might lead to complications,” she says.

“It is reassuring that we can protect our families and communities and prevent more severe illness through immunisations, which are safe, widely accessible and recommended by local and international health authorities as the best means of protection against pertussis.” 

NICD’s pertussis vaccination schedule for South Africa includes a primary series of three doses given to babies at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age. A fourth dose is given as a first booster at 18 months. Later boosters include doses at six and 12 years of age.

“Immunity wanes over time and protection from the booster doses lasts approximately five to six years. For anyone seven years and older who is in contact with at-risk individuals, such as newborn babies or older individuals, and has not received a recent pertussis-containing booster, a Tdap-IPV booster is recommended, particularly if more than five years have passed since their last dose,” she notes.

The acellular pertussis-containing vaccine is also recommended during pregnancy to help protect young infants in the first weeks of life before they can be immunised. 

Pertussis symptoms start slowly

“Initially, pertussis produces mild respiratory symptoms for the first week or two that may be hard to distinguish from a common cold. During this phase, pertussis is most likely to spread to others through droplets when the person coughs or sneezes,” notes Dr Sathar.

“It’s only from the second or third week that the cough becomes more severe and those characteristic loud, high pitched whooping cough spasms take hold. Although there is little to no fever, the bacterial infection in the respiratory tract causes a productive cough and coughing spells can be so extreme that they cause vomiting and severely disrupt sleep. 

“Weight loss or sleep apnoea – that is obstructed breathing that disrupts sleep – can be a real concern for children with whooping cough, and parents should take careful note and report this to their doctor too,” she says. 

“By four to six weeks after the initial onset, symptoms should gradually start to improve for most people, however this is one of the respiratory illnesses that’s commonly referred to as a ‘100-day cough’ because it takes time for the airways to clear and heal,” Dr Sathar says. 

She points out that, since people with pertussis can sometimes develop severe complications that may progress to be life-threatening, it is especially important to seek medical attention early for respiratory symptoms. 

The professional and approachable GPs practising at Netcare Medicross facilities countrywide are on hand to assist with all primary healthcare needs, including booster vaccinations for pertussis, all year round. 

“Instead of dealing with complications later in the course of the illness, rather see your local GP early, get tested if necessary and self-isolate with plenty of rest and fluids,” Dr Sathar recommends. 

“Better yet, book an appointment if you haven’t had a pertussis booster in the last 10 years and ensure your family is protected. Vaccines are safe. There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines on social media, so rather discuss any concerns you may have with a medical professional to make an informed decision.”

Visit https://www.netcare.co.za/search?path=medicross_medical_dental to find your closest Netcare Medicross and make an appointment.