Just returned from the GP with my 12 year old DS.. I wasn't aware but there is a really bad whooping cough outbreak so thought sharing the symptoms may help other parents. Apparently the vaccine stops working effectively at about 10 years old so they are seeing a huge rise during this outbreak in 10-15 year olds. Its also really important to start antibiotics ASAP within the first week or so to prevent the spread in your home as it's caused by bacteria.
For us it seemed like a typical cold - low grade fever, congestion, runny nose that improved within 3 days but then the awful cough started. He is generally okay between coughs but the cough's are so violent they have made him get sick a few times and he battles to breathe during them gasping for air with the gasping whoop sound -he also coughs up this horrible clear stringy mucous. Luckily we have antibiotics now but it's definitely something that should be on every parent's radar right now as it's so contagious and very dangerous for pregnant unvaccinated women and unvaccinated smaller children - plus really awful for the kids with it. I didn't even think of whooping cough as assumed my DC would be okay as all vaccinated. Hope this helps someone!