Prognosis

Infants <1 year of age

Infants ages <1 year account for most deaths from pertussis.[8][10]​ One half to two-thirds of all infants ages <1 year who have pertussis require hospitalization, most commonly those ages <6 months. Case fatality rates are also highest in young infants: 1% in those ages <2 months and <0.5% in older children.​[2]

Ages >1 year

In older children and adults, the prognosis is generally very good, although cough may persist for months.[2]​​[18] The rate of developing pneumonia is up to 8% and rib fracture is up to 4%.[2]​ Morbidity and mortality is increased in older adults and in people with pre-existing pulmonary disease.

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