What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After coughing fits, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which result in a “whooping” sound.
Dangerous to All Ages
Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old. Whooping cough vaccines offer the best protection against this very contagious disease. Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your whooping cough vaccines.
2 Available Vaccines
Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Children younger than 7 years old get DTaP, while older children, teens, and adults get Tdap.
Babies at High Risk
Babies are at high risk for complications from whooping cough. Although death from whooping cough is rare, most are among babies who are too young to be protected by their own vaccinations, which don’t begin until they are 2 months old. By getting the whooping cough vaccine (also called Tdap) in your third trimester, you will pass antibodies to your baby so she is born with protection against whooping cough.
Stay Informed about Pertussis
Learn more about Whooping Cough at the CDC. And if you’re currently pregnant and looking for a pediatrician, call us at Sun Pediatrics. With 2 locations in Cobb County, schedule a visit to learn more about how we can serve you.
Worried About Whooping Cough? Visit Sun Pediatrics
Don’t take chances with whooping cough. Schedule your child’s vaccination and check-up with Dr. Hari of Sun Pediatrics. Dr. Hari is highly recommended by moms and dads in East Cobb and Marietta.