Whooping cough (pertussis): Travel health advice
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Risk to travellers
Whooping cough remains a very common infection in many parts of the world. Anyone who isn’t protected against whooping cough is at risk of being infected with it. This is especially the case when travelling internationally to destinations with low vaccination coverage. This is especially the case in settings that promote close contact, such as festivals or sporting events that attract large numbers or people.
Check travel advice and advisories for your destinations for information on health risks and recommendations.
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Recommendations
Before your trip
Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
Discuss:
- updating your routine vaccinations if necessary, including for whooping cough
- any extra medications or vaccines you may need based on your travel plans
If you get sick before your trip, consider postponing your travel plans until you've recovered.
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During your trip
Use personal protective measures to reduce the risk of getting or spreading infectious respiratory diseases. This can include:
- avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- wearing a well-fitting respirator or mask
- cleaning your hands regularly
- covering your coughs and sneezes
- cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects
If you have symptoms of whooping cough or have been exposed to someone who’s ill:
- stay at your accommodation and limit contact with others
- call a health care provider
Learn more:
- How whooping cough spreads
- Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
- Respiratory infectious diseases: Reduce your risk with personal protective measures
After your trip
If you develop symptoms of whooping cough after you return, call a health care provider for advice.
Before an in-person appointment, tell them:
- your symptoms
- where you’ve been travelling or living
The health care provider may give you advice on how to prevent spreading the infection to others at the health care facility.
You can also consider using personal protective measures if you’re sick when you return to Canada.
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