Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold, including runny nose, congestion, low fever, and mild cough. In babies and young children, early symptoms may include apnea (pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (blue or purple color in the skin, lips and nail beds).
After 1-2 weeks of these early symptoms, a severe cough may begin. The cough may come in rapid bursts or fits, and may be accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation following the cough. Vomiting during or after coughing, and difficulty breathing are also characteristic of this phase of illness.
Recovery from whooping cough may take several weeks or months, with the cough gradually improving over time.