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In 2024, South Korea reported a 33-fold surge in pertussis cases compared to the same period the year before — and the U.S. recorded over 35,000 confirmed cases with 10 deaths that year.
(Source: Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency [KDCA], 2024; CDC, 2024)
Pertussis symptoms in adults are often so mild they’re mistaken for a lingering cold. Yet adults who don’t know they’re infected are one of the most common sources of transmission to newborns and unvaccinated infants.
Pertussis symptoms in adults often present as prolonged bronchitis without the classic “whoop.” The illness can last 6–10 weeks. Early antibiotic treatment and a Tdap booster vaccination are the most effective ways to manage and prevent it.
Can Adults Get Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
Yes — adults can get pertussis, and they’re often the main source of infection for unvaccinated infants.
Pertussis is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It’s nicknamed the “100-day cough” because symptoms can persist for weeks or even months.
While most people associate it with infants, immunity from childhood DTaP vaccination fades over time. Without a booster, adults become susceptible again. A parent, grandparent, or caregiver can unknowingly bring pertussis home — a phenomenon experts call the “cocoon effect.”
Pertussis is extremely contagious. One infected person can spread it to 12–17 unvaccinated individuals. If your cough has lasted more than 2 weeks, see a doctor — don’t wait it out.
What Are the 3 Stages of Pertussis Symptoms in Adults?
Pertussis progresses through three clinical stages. In adults, symptoms are typically milder than in infants, and the characteristic “whoop” on inhalation is often absent — making diagnosis tricky.
Stage 1: Catarrhal (1–2 weeks)
Runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, mild cough. Looks exactly like a common cold — but this is when you’re most contagious.
Stage 2: Paroxysmal (1–6 weeks, up to 10 weeks)
Violent coughing fits, post-cough vomiting, disrupted sleep. Vaccinated adults often develop a prolonged dry bronchitis without the characteristic “whoop.” Unvaccinated adults are more likely to experience the classic whoop and post-cough vomiting.
Stage 3: Convalescent (2–3 weeks)
Coughing gradually eases. Cold air or physical exertion can still trigger fits during this stage.
The full course of illness in adults typically lasts 6–10 weeks. Potential complications include pneumonia, rib fractures from forceful coughing, and fainting.
(Source: CDC, Clinical Overview of Pertussis, 2024)
✅ Cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
✅ Nausea or vomiting after coughing fits
✅ High-pitched “whoop” on inhaling after a coughing fit
✅ Face turning red or sweating during coughing fits
✅ Cough worse at night
✅ Feeling relatively well between coughing episodes
How Do Adults Catch Pertussis?
Pertussis spreads through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, bacteria are released into the air. Anyone nearby who breathes them in can become infected.
Close contact in enclosed spaces — homes, offices, classrooms — makes transmission easy. The primary reason adults are at risk is that childhood vaccine immunity wanes over time.
The CDC and KDCA (Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency) recommend adults receive a Tdap booster every 10 years. Anyone who will be in close contact with infants under 12 months — parents, grandparents, childcare workers — should get vaccinated at least 2 weeks before that contact.
(Source: KDCA Vaccination Guide, 2024)
Pregnant women, adults 65+, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic respiratory conditions face higher risk of serious complications. Talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated if you fall into one of these categories.
How Is Pertussis Treated — and Can It Be Prevented?
Starting treatment early matters. Antibiotics given within the first 1–2 weeks of illness can reduce symptom severity and limit spread to others.
Preferred antibiotics are azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin — all macrolides.
(Source: CDC, Treatment of Pertussis, 2024)
After 5 days of appropriate antibiotic therapy, you’re no longer contagious. Starting antibiotics later in the illness won’t shorten your symptoms much, but they still help prevent transmission.
Supportive care — staying well hydrated, using a humidifier, getting plenty of rest — may help ease symptoms. Cough suppressants have limited evidence for pertussis; always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
✅ Get a Tdap booster (every 10 years for adults)
✅ Cover coughs with your elbow or a mask
✅ Wash hands frequently
✅ Confirm vaccination status before close contact with infants
✅ See a doctor if your cough lasts more than 2 weeks
For more information on infectious diseases, visit our disease encyclopedia:
Korean Medical Information — Disease Encyclopedia
Note for international readers: Most residents of South Korea are covered by National Health Insurance (NHI), the country’s universal public health insurance system. Many also carry silson insurance (Korean private indemnity health insurance) to cover out-of-pocket costs not reimbursed by NHI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How is pertussis in adults different from a common cold?
A cold typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. Pertussis is distinguished by coughing fits lasting 2–3 weeks or more, vomiting after coughing, and worsening at night. Feeling relatively normal between coughing episodes is another clue. If your cough has dragged on for weeks, get tested.
Q2. How long is an adult with pertussis contagious?
Without treatment, you can spread pertussis for up to 3 weeks after symptoms begin. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, you’re no longer contagious after 5 days of treatment. If there are infants at home, prompt diagnosis and treatment are especially important.
Q3. Where can adults in South Korea get a Tdap vaccine?
Tdap is available at public health centers and designated clinics nationwide. Coverage under Korea’s National Health Insurance may be limited for adults, so check costs before your appointment. Pregnant women are advised to receive Tdap between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy.
Q4. Can pertussis cause serious complications in adults?
While rare compared to infants, adults can develop pneumonia, rib fractures from severe coughing, urinary incontinence, and fainting. Adults with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems face higher risk. Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are severe or worsening.
References
- Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), “Pertussis — National Health Information Portal,” 2024. Link
- KDCA Vaccination Guide, “Pertussis Vaccination Information,” 2024. Link
- CDC, “Clinical Overview of Pertussis (Whooping Cough),” 2024. Link
- CDC, “Treatment of Pertussis,” 2024. Link
- NIH StatPearls, “Pertussis,” 2024. Link
- GC Labs, “Pertussis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Transmission (백일해 진단과 치료 그리고 감염경로),” 2024. Link
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have health concerns.
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