Whooping cough is the common name for pertussis (per-TUSS-is).
This is a highly contagious respiratory disease that usually
affects infants and young children. It's mainly contracted by
those who haven't been vaccinated against it. They get it by
inhaling airborne droplets from an infected person. The symptoms
of whooping cough generally begin as a runny nose, dry cough,
loss of appetite, and a slight fever. The cough develops into
severe bouts that cause patients to 'whoop' when they breathe
in. To protect your children from whooping cough, make sure they
receive the appropriate vaccinations. The D-TaP (D-tap) vaccine,
which protects against pertussis, is given in five doses,
beginning at age two months, with the last does between four and
six years old. Your healthcare provider can give you information
about both the side effects and the advantages of this type of
immunization.