It usually takes about seven to 10 days after being exposed to the infection to start showing symptoms. Full recovery from whooping cough may take two to three months. Doctors divide whooping cough into three stages:
Stage 1: The earliest stage of whooping cough may last one to two weeks. During this time, symptoms are similar to the common cold. You’re highly contagious during this time.
Stage 2: Severe, violent coughing spells develop during this stage. Between coughing spells, people often gasp for breath, salivate, and get teary-eyed. Vomiting and exhaustion may follow severe coughing fits. This stage usually lasts one to six weeks, but may last as long as 10 weeks. You remain contagious up until about two weeks after the cough begins.
Stage 3: In this stage, the cough begins to lessen. You’re no longer contagious at this time. This stage typically lasts two to three weeks. Because you’re more susceptible to other respiratory infections, including the common cold, recovery may take longer if other illnesses occur.