I havent had experience with whooping cough thankfully, the only thing I can think of that may help is a vaporiser & vicks baby balsam. I use both for coughs in winter, put some drops in the vaporiser, the steam seems to help (doc sometimes recommends to put bub/kids in shower for steam for coughs/runny noses), I put the vicks everywhere!! on chest, back & soles of feet....the feet thing is kinda wives tale but I do it anyway! As for work your instincts will tell you whats right for you & your DS, don't feel pressured though, do what you feel is right for you.