What is the treatment for whooping cough in children?
The bacteria which cause whooping cough can be killed by antibiotics. However, once the bouts of intense coughing have started, treatment makes little impact on the course of the illness. In effect, the bacteria will have done what they need to do to the airways to set off the illness. But, a course of antibiotics is still given to kill the bacteria. After 5 days of antibiotics you are no longer infectious. Without antibiotics, you can remain infectious for several weeks.