Whooping Cough in Adults

It is called the 100 day cough for a reason it lasts about three months. I looked at the CDC vax schedule and it states as follows:

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis Vaccines
There are several formulations of vaccines used to prevent diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Some are combined with vaccines to prevent other diseases and reduce the total number of shots that someone receives at one office visit. In the U.S., DTaP, Tdap, and Td vaccines are most commonly used.

Children should get 5 doses of DTaP, one dose at each of the following ages: 2, 4, 6, and 15 through 18 months and 4 through 6 years.

So if she was only vaccinated as an infant it sounds like she might be behind on her vaccination schedule.

I would follow up and make sure she is covered for other childhood diseases and if once you have whooping cough does it give life long immunity.

So be kind to yourself try and relax...drink fluids...and know it will pass.

Talk to you doctor. I agree that Dr. Google is probably a bad idea. I Googled for you, and one thing I found was that "many people don't develop the characteristic whoop. Sometimes, a persistent hacking cough is the only sign that an adolescent or adult has whooping cough." So that's reassuring.

However, please get your child vaccinated for whooping cough as soon as possible because you definitely don't want your infant to get it. I'm sure you know it can be deadly in infants.

Everyone should get a booster shot for whooping cough at least every 10 years. It's part of the DTaP shot. Please make sure everyone who is regularly in contact with you is vaccinated; you don't want a family member getting sick in the next few weeks and still being contagious when your baby is born.

Meanwhile, it's a virus. It has to run its course. And yes, it can take 3+ months for that to happen. Antibiotics can prevent secondary lung infections from taking hold.

If you're recently (within the past 10 years) vaccinated, the duration of the illness will probably be quite a bit shorter, so you can take heart in that. Rest, hydrate, and follow your doctors' advice.

Ahhh...feel better.

Despite being vaccinated, my daughter had it when she was 9. Our whole family was given antibiotics (z-pack) because it is that contagious. My parents even had to be treated because they spent a significant amount of time with my family prior to my daughter being diagnosed.

Her cough lessened over time but it lasted for those 100 days the doctor and google warned me about.

I also had phone calls from the CDC and our local health department. (I think the doctor had to report it)

So sorry you are going through this.

Prevention (vaccination) is best but since you've got it, try a heating pad on your chest (and/or back ribs), keep a humidifier in your room at night, don't try to dry it up (Sudafed) but really keep up with the expectorants (Mucinex or Robitussin - anything with mostly guaifenesin in it)).
Stay well hydrated, take as many hot steamy showers as you need to help you cough up mucus.
One of these might come in handy (I got one and I love it):

http://www.amazon.com/Mabis-Personal-Steam-Inhaler-Vapori...

While you have it absolutely stay away from young kids and babies as much as possible - it's deadly to them.
It'll be tough but hopefully you'll be over it before your child is born.

I have been battling a persistent cough due to repeat sinus infections. For me putting my face over a steaming bowl of water does significantly help both my congestion and my cough.

I use a wide, stable base mixing bowl and add only a couple inches of boiling water. I place the bowl on a table where I can comfortably sit in a chair. I put herbs or oil in a bowl, pour in the boiling water, place a towel over myself and the bowl to create a tent and breathe in the steam for 10 to 20 minutes. I repeat this about 2 or 3 times per day. Be careful because steam can burn. I take small breaks throughout the steaming to cool off, wipe my face, and clear my nose.

I have used various additives to the water- fresh thyme, peppermint extract, eucalyptus oil, all natural baby Vicks. I find the steam helps my sore nose, my sore throat, my congestion and my cough. Plus as a bonus it calms me. Good luck. Persistent coughs are a nuisance.

do you have access to acupuncture? this is a great way to relieve the symptoms as you are pregnant.