Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system.
It causes repeated coughing bouts that can last for two to three months or more, and can make babies and young children in particular very ill.
Whooping cough is spread in the droplets of the coughs or sneezes of someone with the infection.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature.
Intense coughing bouts start about a week later.
• The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night.
• Coughing usually brings up thick mucus and may be followed by vomiting.
• Between coughs, you or your child may gasp for breath – this may cause a "whoop" sound, although not everyone has this.
Prevention
the best wat to prevent it is to take the vaccine for it
