I've been exposed to whooping cough--the advice of medical expert would be appreciated?

I am waiting for my doctor to call me back about this, but if anyone has any advice, that would be great. I was in one of my college classes the other day and this woman told me she was recently (less than a week ago) diagnosed with whooping cough. She also said she wasn't contagious anymore, but when I looked it up online it said it is contagious for at least 3 weeks. Not only that, the vaccine (which I had) wears off in adolescence. We sit only a two or three feet away from each other for 4 to 5 hours a week, should I be really worried? She was not coughing yesterday, the last time I saw her. She was in the middle of one of those Z-pak antibiotics, on the third day. Would an antibiotic prevent whooping cough for those of us who were exposed? Thanks.

There is a natural immunity topped by vaccine. You may still be protected by the vaccine. Antibiotics have reduced the severity of the disease as well as the potential to infect. She should be advised to use a handkerchief while coughing, to protect others.
Role of prophylactic antibiotics-
Close contacts of pertussis cases should be given antibiotics to prevent infection and limit transmission. Prophylactic antibiotics should be initiated as soon as possible within 21 days of exposure. Although not fully efficacious, antibiotic prophylaxis has been shown to be a major factor in controlling household transmission and outbreaks.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/5495...
Good luck!

if your still coughing, your contagious and there is probably an incubation period, so while she may no longer be contagious, you were prolly around her when she didnt even know she had it yet. wait for your dr to call you, he/she will be the best source of information and able to answer all your questions. stay away from everyone, cover your mouth or wear a mask if you HAVE to be in public. wash your hands frequently and spray disinfectant daily.