Heidi's Story

Heidi’s Story

A frightening experience with whooping cough 

In late August 2024, 52-year-old Heidi Duckworth faced an unexpected health scare. A busy professional, Heidi had always prioritised her health, but as fatigue set in she began scheduling rest breaks during her workday. 

“I told my partner I just didn’t feel right,” she recalled. 

What began as exhaustion soon escalated into a frightening medical emergency that would change her understanding of a disease she thought was a relic of the past. 

Initially dismissing her symptoms as stress-related, Heidi soon developed a slight cough and tightness in her chest. However, everything changed when she woke up at 4 am gasping for air. 

“I woke up and just couldn’t breathe,” Heidi said. 

In that moment, thoughts of a close family member who had died from an asthma attack flooded her mind as a full minute passed before she could breathe in air. 

“I thought I was dying.” 

Heidi was rushed to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and admitted overnight. 

Heidi soon received a diagnosis of whooping cough – a condition most commonly associated with infants, but one that poses a serious risk to adults too. This is particularly so for Heidi, as the medication she takes for an autoimmune condition can make her more vulnerable to infections. 

“I knew adults could get whooping cough, but I didn’t realise how serious it could be,” she admitted. “It’s not something you hear about very often.” 

After being treated with antibiotics and closely monitored, Heidi learned that her battle was far from over. Months later, she continues to experience lingering effects of the illness, which have drastically altered her quality of life. 

Heidi hopes her story will help raise awareness of the need for adults to protect themselves against whooping cough. 

“Whooping cough snuck up on me and left me absolutely floored,” she said. “Don’t be complacent when it comes to this awful disease. Get a booster if you can’t remember having one in the last 10 years.”