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James Gordon Why Whooping Cough is Serious:
Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a contagious disease that can be passed easily from person to person. It is very serious for babies and can cause them to cough so much that they cannot breathe. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for whooping cough, and some die from it. Whooping cough can cause adults or teens to have severe coughing that leads to vomiting or broken ribs. They can be hospitalized for pneumonia and miss weeks of work or school. Even worse, they can spread whooping cough to the babies at home.
Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family:
Get Your Tetanus Booster (Tdap)
Everybody in the family should be immunized against whooping cough to protect themselves and the baby at home. Parents should ask their doctor for the new Tdap vaccine that includes a tetanus and diphtheria booster and also protects against whooping cough.
Make Sure Your Children are Up-to-Date on Their Immunizations
Children 10 years of age and older can also get the new Tdap booster. Infants and toddlers need four shots against whooping cough, and a booster before starting kindergarten.
Cover Your Cough and Wash Your Hands
Whooping cough is spread by coughing. Remind everyone to cover their mouths when coughing and to wash their hands often.
Reprinted with the permission of the California Department of Public Health. © 2007 State of California.
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