whooping cough (pertussis)
the complete guide to the childcare exclusion period for whooping cough (pertussis) in Australia — how long to keep your child home, symptoms to watch for, and when they can return.
exclusion period
for 21 days from the onset of cough, or for 5 days after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment
symptoms
- •persistent cough that gets worse over time
- •coughing fits followed by a 'whoop' sound when breathing in
- •vomiting after coughing fits
- •exhaustion after coughing
- •runny nose
incubation period
7-20 days (usually 7-10 days)
contagious period
most contagious during the first 3 weeks of cough if untreated. with antibiotics, contagious for 5 days after treatment starts.
notes for parents
whooping cough is a notifiable disease. it is particularly dangerous for babies under 6 months. the exclusion period is significantly reduced with antibiotic treatment (from 21 days to 5 days).
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service and is not affiliated with any government department.