From the Guidelines
After appropriate treatment for pertussis, patients should know they remain contagious for about 5 days after starting antibiotics, and should stay home from work, school, or daycare until completing 5 days of antibiotics to prevent spreading the infection. The cough may persist for several weeks or even months despite effective treatment, as antibiotics eliminate the bacteria but don't immediately reverse airway damage 1. Patients should be aware that they can still spread the infection to others, especially vulnerable populations such as infants and those with compromised immune systems, until they have completed the full course of antibiotics.
Key Considerations
- Close contacts should be evaluated for preventive antibiotics regardless of vaccination status 1
- Rest, adequate hydration, and avoiding irritants like smoke can help manage symptoms 1
- Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and those with compromised immune systems, so patients should avoid contact with these vulnerable populations until no longer contagious 1
- Inhaled ipratropium, inhaled corticosteroids, and central acting antitussive agents may be considered for managing persistent cough 1
Treatment and Prevention
- Antibiotics, such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, are effective in treating pertussis and should be started as soon as possible 1
- Vaccination, including the use of acellular pertussis vaccines, can help prevent pertussis and reduce the risk of transmission to others 1
From the Research
Patient Information on Pertussis After Appropriate Treatment
If a patient has been appropriately treated for pertussis, there are several key points to consider:
- The treatment typically involves antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin 2, 3, 4, 5.
- These antibiotics are effective in eliminating Bordetella pertussis from the patient, rendering them non-infectious 4.
- Short-term treatment with azithromycin or clarithromycin is often preferred due to fewer side effects and improved compliance compared to long-term erythromycin treatment 2, 4, 5.
- Early administration of clarithromycin or azithromycin can improve clinical symptoms, including reducing cough duration and frequency of symptoms like apnea 6.
Important Considerations
- Patients should be aware that while antibiotics can eliminate the bacteria, they may not alter the subsequent clinical course of the illness 4.
- It is essential to complete the full treatment course as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the infection is fully cleared 2, 5.
- Patients should also be informed about potential side effects of the antibiotics, such as gastrointestinal issues, and the importance of reporting any adverse events to their healthcare provider 3, 5.
Follow-Up and Prevention
- After treatment, patients should follow up with their healthcare provider to ensure the infection has been fully cleared and to monitor for any potential complications 5.
- Vaccination against pertussis is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease, and patients should be informed about the importance of vaccination for themselves and their close contacts 3, 6.