Infographic: The Science of Whooping Cough

Once thought to be a disease of the past, pertussis (whooping cough) is making a comeback in America. Pertussis is commonly called whooping cough because of the distinctive “whoop” sound an infected patient makes when he or she gasps for air between coughs. In 2012, Texas pertussis cases increased 82 percent from 2011. The preventable disease killed six Texas children — five of whom were babies too young to receive a vaccination — and sickened nearly 2,000 more.

Doctors say the best way to keep your baby safe from pertussis is to vaccinate those who may come in contact with your infant – such as dad, grandparents, and child care workers. For more information, check out the infographic below. It explains what whooping cough is, how it spreads, who is most susceptible, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this deadly disease.

More information:

• TMA’s Be Wise — Immunize^SM program
• Infant Deaths Prompt Doctors’ Outcry: Get the Shot!
• Doctors Say: Get a Tdap Shot

The Science of Whooping Cough