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What Are Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

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Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014
Question: I was around a 4 year old for a month but he just got diagnosed today (I haven't been around him for 7 days now) for whooping cough. I do not have a fever or a cough. Do I still need treatment?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer: certain criteria Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic If he was exhibiting the early signs and symptoms of infection (which are similar to the normal cough and cold) such as sneezing , runny nose and mild cough , and you were in contact with his secretions , then it is possible. Normally symptoms develop 7 to 10 days after exposure (rarely it can take longer), so if you were going to show symptoms they may have started by now. The early symptoms are those normally seen in the common cold. If no symptoms develop in the next few days then it is unlikely that you have it. He would be given antibiotics which would shorten the time that he is contagious to 5 days In terms of treatment, the guidelines recommend: (1) medication for all household contacts who have been in contact within 21 days of the development of the cough----- if you were not in contact with him when he had the cough or secretions then it is unnecessary (2)also recommended if you are not a household contact but were in contact during 21 days of the cough occurring, if you are pregnant or in contact with another small child (who might get the illness from you) Summary- (1)if you were in contact with him within 21 days when cough developed then may need treatment----- if you are in his household or you are pregnant or you are in contact with a small child even if you have no symptoms at present I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Are Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

Brief Answer: certain criteria Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic If he was exhibiting the early signs and symptoms of infection (which are similar to the normal cough and cold) such as sneezing , runny nose and mild cough , and you were in contact with his secretions , then it is possible. Normally symptoms develop 7 to 10 days after exposure (rarely it can take longer), so if you were going to show symptoms they may have started by now. The early symptoms are those normally seen in the common cold. If no symptoms develop in the next few days then it is unlikely that you have it. He would be given antibiotics which would shorten the time that he is contagious to 5 days In terms of treatment, the guidelines recommend: (1) medication for all household contacts who have been in contact within 21 days of the development of the cough----- if you were not in contact with him when he had the cough or secretions then it is unnecessary (2)also recommended if you are not a household contact but were in contact during 21 days of the cough occurring, if you are pregnant or in contact with another small child (who might get the illness from you) Summary- (1)if you were in contact with him within 21 days when cough developed then may need treatment----- if you are in his household or you are pregnant or you are in contact with a small child even if you have no symptoms at present I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions