As a doctor and a mother, I’ve been closely watching the recent uptick in whooping cough cases nationwide. According to the CDC, cases of whooping cough have tripled compared to this time last year. Having two young children, and as we prepare to head back to school in the U.S., I am concerned as whooping cough is a serious, contagious illness. For parents and the broader community, it’s vital to know what the disease is, how it impacts children, and how we can protect them.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children, and its severity cannot be overstated. The disease progresses through three stages:
Catarrhal stage: Similar to a common cold with runny nose, mild cough, and possibly a low-grade fever.
Paroxysmal stage: Characterized by intense coughing fits, often ending with the distinctive “whoop” sound as the child struggles to breathe in.
Convalescent stage: Gradual recovery, though coughing may persist for weeks.
It’s important to note that symptoms can vary, especially in infants who may not develop the typical “whoop” but instead experience life-threatening breathing pauses. Whooping cough can stop a child’s ability to breathe, which is terrifying for both the child and their parents. The intense coughing fits associated with the disease often lead to vomiting and exhaustion, leaving children weak and vulnerable.
In severe cases, especially in infants, whooping cough can even be fatal.
Adding to its danger is the fact that the disease is highly contagious, spreading easily through coughs, sneezes, or close contact. This combination of severe symptoms and high transmissibility makes whooping cough a serious threat to children’s health and well-being.
Whooping cough was once thought to be on the path to eradication due to widespread vaccination. However, we’re now seeing a return to pre-pandemic levels of cases. There are several reasons for this concerning trend, one being decreased vaccination rates, partly fueled by mistrust stemming from the pandemic, which have led some parents to delay or skip vaccinations.
Diagnostic delays have also contributed, as the similarity between COVID-19, early pertussis, and cold/flu symptoms are similar which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
There are have several powerful tools that can protect children from whooping cough. Vaccination is the best defense, with the DTaP vaccine recommended for children under seven and the Tdap for older children and adults. Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to help protect newborns in their first vulnerable months.
Infants can further be protected through a strategy called cocooning, where family members and caregivers who will be around newborns receive and are up-to-date with their Tdap boosters.
Beyond vaccination, teaching children proper hygiene practices, such as handwashing and cough etiquette, is essential. It’s also important to stay informed by keeping in touch with your child’s school about their vaccination policies and any potential outbreaks.
As a doctor and as a mom, I respect that each family must make the choice that feels right for them. To protect my own children, I chose to have my children vaccinated. I’ve seen the impact diseases such as whooping cough can have on a child, and it’s heartbreaking to see children so young suffering with severe symptoms.
When caring for and protecting the health of a child, remember, a parent’s intuition is powerful.
If you suspect whooping cough, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing this serious illness. Additionally, keeping children home when they’re sick, alerting schools, and other families to potential exposures can create a system where everyone is working together to keep our overall community healthy. Together, we can navigate this challenging time and keep our children safe and thriving.
Before you go, shop these products to relieve your kids’ cold and flu symptoms:
