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: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Could Inhaling a Statin Help Ease Asthma, COPD?

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Winter Is Prime Time for Indoor Allergies

    Dangerous Allergies? An Expert Gives Tips to Protect Yourself

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Wildfires in Western U.S., Canada Create Hazardous Air Conditions

    Dirty Air Increasingly Affects Minority Communities

    Move to Electric Vehicles Could Prevent Millions of Child Asthma Attacks Each Year

    Could Asthma Harm a Child's Memory Skills?

    1 in 6 U.S. Adults With Asthma Can't Afford Meds

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Flu Vaccine

    How Would an FDA Ban on Popular Cold Meds Affect Americans?

    Feed a Cold and a Fever, Experts Say