Whooping cough, the common name for Pertussis, got its name for a peculiar sound that more than half of all people make in the late stages of this coughing disease. For some people, they make a "whooping" type of sound after a harsh coughing spell. This illness is on the rise in the US and people have died from it. However, there is a vaccine for it and most children have had it. The only problem is that the vaccine sometimes wears off and leaves children and even adults susceptible to this aggravating illness.

Someone who is normally healthy will eventually get over whooping cough, although it can take as long as several months before the coughing dissipate. However, infants and the elderly are not so lucky. Their immune systems are not as hardy so whooping cough can eventually kill them. This is a serious disease that spreads as easily as the common cold. In fact, the germs are spread by the sneezing and coughing.

In fact, the initial signs of pertussis aka whooping cough starts off with cold symptoms like sneezing, mild fever and runny nose. Then, the coughing starts and gets progressively worse. For many people in the throes of this disease, they cough so hard that they vomit, have trouble breathing or cannot eat or drink.

The population most at risk for whooping cough right now is those kids in the pre-teen and teenage stage. They likely have had the vaccinations for pertussis but unfortunately, the effects can wane off so. Even adults can contract it. In fact, these teens and adults easily carry these germs to the infants in their own home.

Because infants will not have been able to receive all of their immunizations yet, they are at great risk too. For them, only immunization really works for them. For pre-teens, teens and even adults, another vaccination may be necessary to ward off whooping cough. In addition, they should also follow normal precautionary measure to avoid getting sick such as:

Wash hands. This is hands down the best way to combat infections. Using plain old soap and water, then just lather up for about a minute or so and rinse with warm water.

Disinfect surfaces often. Germs can linger on surfaces for hours. Use a spray disinfectant and lightly spray the telephone, computer keyboard and mouse, counters, desk surfaces and more.

Get fresh air. Germs love stale air so be sure and let some fresh air into the home by opening some windows.
Do not touch your face with your hands unless you have just washed them. Germs on hands can easily enter the body through wet, moist areas such as the nose, mouth and eyes.

Avoid sick people. If you see a person coughing and sneezing, try to give them a wide berth.

The fact of the matter is that whooping cough aka pertussis can be rather serious. The only surefire way to know that you are protected is through immunizations. Talk with your doctor about the possibility of a booster shot for you and for your children.