Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Whooping Cough
Moderate
2
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Common Cold
Mild
4
Symptoms
0
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It is characterized by repeated, severe coughing fits that may make it difficult to breathe. After a coughing spell, a person may make a whooping sound when breathing in or may vomit. The infection can be especially serious in babies and young children.
Common Cold
The common cold is a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract, usually caused by viruses. It commonly produces a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild tiredness. Symptoms generally develop gradually and improve within several days to about one or two weeks. Many different viruses can cause colds, so having one cold does not provide lasting protection against future infections.
Symptoms
Shared
Dry CoughOnly in Left Disease
FeverOnly in Right Disease
Difficulty Swallowing Nasal Congestion NosebleedCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
InfectionOnly in Right Disease
None
Diagnosis
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is diagnosed from the symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. The characteristic prolonged coughing fits can provide an important clue. A healthcare provider may collect a sample from the nose or throat for laboratory testing to detect Bordetella pertussis. Testing can help confirm the infection, especially during the early stages of illness.
Common Cold
A common cold is usually diagnosed from the symptoms and a physical examination. Typical features include nasal congestion or discharge, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild systemic symptoms. Laboratory testing is generally unnecessary for an uncomplicated cold. Testing may be considered when symptoms are unusual, severe, prolonged, or when another respiratory infection such as influenza or COVID-19 needs to be considered.
Prevention
Whooping Cough
Vaccination is the main way to prevent whooping cough. Recommended pertussis-containing vaccines provide protection and are given according to age-based immunization schedules, with booster doses recommended at appropriate ages. Avoiding close contact with infected people and following medical advice when illness occurs can also reduce transmission. Early treatment may help limit spread.
Common Cold
Good hand hygiene can reduce the spread of viruses that cause colds. Wash hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are ill when possible, and cover coughs and sneezes. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and improving ventilation in shared indoor spaces can also reduce exposure to respiratory viruses.
Risk Factors
Whooping Cough
People who have not received recommended pertussis vaccinations are at greater risk of developing whooping cough. Protection can also decrease over time after vaccination. Infants who are too young to have completed their vaccinations are particularly vulnerable to severe disease. Close household or community exposure to an infected person also increases the risk.
Common Cold
Risk factors include close contact with people who have respiratory infections, frequent exposure to crowded indoor environments, and touching the nose, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands. Children may experience frequent colds because they encounter many viruses while developing immunity. Seasonal changes and spending more time indoors can also increase opportunities for respiratory virus transmission.
Treatment
Whooping Cough
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Common Cold
Treatment comparison will be available soon.