Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Whooping cough is contagious, and can lead to serious illness in babies who are not vaccinated. Babies can get whooping cough from parents, older siblings, or other others who may not know that they have the disease. The bacteria that cause whooping cough is usually spread by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others.
Early symptoms of whooping cough look like the common cold, and can include a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and a mild cough or fever. After 1 to 2 weeks and as the disease progresses, more severe symptoms of whooping cough may appear and include frequent, rapid coughing followed by a high-pitched "whoop", vomiting during or after coughing fits, and exhaustion.
Who Needs Whooping Cough Vaccines?
- Pregnant women
- Infants and young children
- Preteens and teens
- Adults of all ages
Get Vaccinated. Protect yourself. Protect Babies.