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Whooping Cough Learning Center

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Welcome

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing can make it hard to breathe.  A deep"whooping" sound is often heard when the patient...

Basic Info

Symptoms
Runny noseSlight fever (102 °F or lower)Severe, repeated coughs that: Make breathing difficultResult in vomiti...
Causes
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an upper respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella para...
Tests
However, when the symptoms are not obvious, pertussis may be difficult to diagnose. In very young infants, the sympto...
Treatments
If started early enough, antibiotics such as erythromycin and amoxicillin can make the symptoms go away more quickly....
Risk Factors
  • Contact With Infected Person
Prevention
A TDaP vaccine(tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) or pertussis-only vaccine helps protect children against this disease....
Doctor Specialties
Call your health care provider if you or your child develops symptoms of pertussis.Call 911 or get to an emergency ro...

Basic Info

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