Cases of Whooping cough are increasing. Here's what you need to know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says symptoms can be the same as a common cold.
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Health officials say they are concerned that whooping cough is surging in the United States ahead of the start of respiratory virus season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says symptoms can be the same as a common cold.
New data from the CDC shows the number of people with whopping cough, also known as pertussis, is currently five times higher than at this time last year.
Doctors say there are some things people need to know about the infection.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness.
Babies under 1 years old, older adults and those with underlying lung issues are the most vulnerable to complications.
"About a third of infants will get hospitalized and actually about 1% of infants that, develop whooping cough will actually die from the infection," says Dr. Donald Dumford, an infectious disease specialist with the Cleveland Clinic.
Antibiotics can help improve an infection and people are encouraged to start them as soon as possible. However, even though medication can reduce coughing, it can still last for weeks or months.
There is a vaccine for Whooping cough and the CDC says it is the best way to protect against the infection. Doctors say it's important that babies, pregnant women and adults at risk remain up to date on the vaccine.
