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.
Follow the Topic
-
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.
Related Collections
With collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Primary care workforce and systems
BMC Primary Care is calling for submissions to our Collection, Primary care workforce and systems. The primary care workforce is integral to the healthcare system, serving as the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention. This Collection aims to explore the dynamics of the primary care workforce, including its composition, distribution, and the systems that support it. As healthcare needs evolve, understanding the role of healthcare providers and the models of primary care delivery is essential for ensuring quality care and improving health outcomes across diverse populations.
Addressing the challenges faced by the primary care workforce, such as shortages and burnout, is crucial for enhancing patient access to essential services. Recent advancements in integrated care models and innovative workforce strategies have shown promise in mitigating these issues. By focusing on enhancing training, retention, and support for primary care providers, we can improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery, ultimately benefiting patients and communities alike.
In this Collection, we welcome submissions that span a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:
-Strategies for addressing workforce shortages
-Innovative primary care models
-Enhancing patient access to primary care
-Integrated care approaches
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Feb 20, 2026
Cancer screening and prevention
Cancer screening and prevention are pivotal components of modern healthcare aimed at reducing cancer morbidity and mortality through early detection and timely intervention. As our understanding of cancer biology evolves, so do the strategies and technologies employed in screening programs. This Collection seeks to explore the latest research and innovations in cancer screening and prevention, examining the effectiveness of various methods, the implementation of screening guidelines, and the role of healthcare professionals in promoting preventive measures.
Looking to the future, continued research in cancer screening and prevention holds the potential to refine screening protocols and improve access to these critical services. Innovations in telemedicine and digital health may enhance patient engagement and adherence to screening recommendations, ultimately leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes. Ongoing research can inform the development of culturally sensitive education and outreach programs, ensuring that all populations benefit equitably from advances in cancer care.
In this Collection, we welcome submissions that span a wide array of topics, including but not limited to:
- Innovations in early detection methods
- Role of primary care and general practitioners in cancer prevention
- Evaluation of screening guidelines
- Patient education strategies in screening
- Strategies for implementing and disseminating effective interventions
- Understanding the role of context (geographic area, practice setting, population served) on intervention uptake, tailoring, and effectiveness
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Feb 23, 2026
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in