Unveiling the Hidden Burden of Pertussis in Adults
Published in Chemistry, Biomedical Research, and General & Internal Medicine
The Untold Story of Pertussis in Adults
Pertussis isn’t just a childhood disease. Adults with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD are particularly vulnerable, yet pertussis often goes undiagnosed. My own experience as a pediatric resident exemplifies this: I endured months of a relentless cough that wasn’t identified as pertussis.
When I began working on pertussis at Sanofi, I quickly realized that most prevention efforts focus on children, especially young infants who are most vulnerable to severe complications. Yet, as a pediatric resident years ago, I experienced firsthand the devastating impact of pertussis in adults—though I didn’t know it at the time.
I vividly recall the ordeal: a relentless, hacking cough that lasted over three months, making sleep impossible and causing me to vomit after coughing fits. The doctors I consulted never considered pertussis as a diagnosis. Instead, I endured a battery of tests, including chest X-rays and arterial blood gases (a procedure I wouldn’t wish on anyone), without any answers. At one point, I was convinced I had contracted PPD negative tuberculosis.
It wasn’t until much later, as I learned more about pertussis in my work, that I realized I had been battling whooping cough all along. This revelation fueled my mission to ensure that pertussis is recognized as a significant health threat—not just for infants, but for people of all ages. Like many adults then and now, I had no idea that pertussis could affect me, and neither did the doctors treating me.
The Motivation Behind the Study
This gap in awareness is why our recently published study on pertussis vaccination in adults felt so personal. We surveyed over 800 physicians across the U.S., France, and Germany to understand their attitudes and practices around adult pertussis vaccination. What we found was disheartening: while physicians acknowledged the risks for certain high-risk groups, they ranked pertussis vaccination for adults as less important than tetanus.
When was the last time anyone saw a case of tetanus?
Overcoming Barriers to Vaccination
Physicians in our study highlighted a range of barriers to vaccination, including patients’ low perception of risk. Many adults simply don’t see themselves as vulnerable to pertussis, even though they’ve likely been vaccinated against tetanus—a disease far less common than pertussis.
Logistical hurdles also create challenges. In some countries, like France, patients must navigate a multi-step process to receive a vaccine, creating delays and missed opportunities. Even in places where access is easier, vaccine fatigue and competing health priorities can still impact uptake.
For healthcare providers, lack of educational tools and reminders can make it harder to integrate pertussis vaccination into routine care. Addressing these barriers is essential to improving vaccination rates and protecting adults from pertussis.
The Path Forward
This study underscores the need for greater awareness and education about pertussis in adults. We must empower physicians to recognize pertussis as a potential diagnosis in adult patients with persistent cough and to prioritize vaccination—not only to protect individuals but also to reduce community transmission.
For me, this isn’t just about data; it’s about ensuring that no one has to endure what I went through. Violently coughing for 100 days is more than a nuisance—it’s a public health issue that deserves our attention.
I am a global medical brand lead at Sanofi, focusing on vaccine strategies for pertussis, polio, and Hib, as well as transversal initiatives like Vaccination in Pregnancy & Beyond. My work centers on advancing vaccine confidence, increasing uptake, and shaping global medical strategy.
As a physician specializing in adolescent medicine and a former academic at the University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I bring a unique perspective to vaccine development. My passion for public health stems from my clinical and research background, which includes addressing barriers to vaccination and improving health equity.
In addition to leading global vaccine initiatives, I continue to advocate for adolescents as Chair of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine’s Vaccination Committee. My devotion to adolescents as a unique patient group—one requiring specialized care and attention—drives much of my work and keeps me focused on their specific healthcare needs.
Outside of work, I enjoy creative pursuits like knitting and photography and am committed to empowering women to lead authentically and confidently.
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BMC Primary Care
Previously known as BMC Family Practice, this is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of primary health care research.
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