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

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    FDA Warns Top National Bakery to Stop Listing Allergens in Products When They Aren't There

    Some Chocolate Products Labeled 'Dairy-Free' Contain Milk, FDA Finds

    Dangerous Allergies? An Expert Gives Tips to Protect Yourself

    Watchdog Group Says U.S. Food Recalls Rose Again Last Year

    Helene's Aftermath: How to Safely Enter, Clean Flood-Damaged Homes

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

    Could Asthma Harm a Child's Memory Skills?

    Researchers Find New Way to Curb Asthma Attacks

    Gas Stoves Could Leave Your Lungs Vulnerable to Nitrogen Dioxide

    Obesity Raises Risk of Severe Infection, Especially in People With Diabetes

    Americans Still Consider COVID Major Public Health Threat

    Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic

    Bird Flu Found in Sea Mammals, Upping Risk to Humans

    How To Fight Common Wintertime Respiratory Viruses