Health Tip: Understanding Whooping Cough

(HealthDay News) -- Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the Nemours Foundation says.

The highly contagious infection, typically affecting children. can trigger coughing spells that can last more than a minute.

The child's face may turn red or purple, and the child may vomit, Nemours adds.

Nemours offers this additional information about whooping cough:

  • It can be prevented by the whooping cough vaccine, which is among DTaP immunizations given in a series of five doses during infancy.
  • People who come into close contact with someone who has whopping cough should be given an antibiotic to help prevent the disease from spreading.
  • Adults should get a booster shot if they have a new baby. The infection can cause life-threatening problems among babies.

    • Date Published: 12/26/2018

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Your Nose May Decide How Bad Your Cold Gets, Study Finds

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    New Trial Shows Pfizer’s mRNA Flu Shot Beats Traditional Flu Vaccine

    Tamiflu Safe For Children, Study Concludes

    Moderna's Combo Flu and COVID Shot Shows Promise

    RFK Jr. Says Fewer Flu Vaccines for Kids May Be a 'Better Thing'