Whooping cough (pertussis) typically progresses through several stages. Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. As the infection advances, severe coughing fits develop, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when inhaling. Vomiting and exhaustion can follow intense coughing episodes. The coughing spells can last for weeks, leading to significant respiratory distress. In infants, symptoms may vary, with a higher risk of complications.
