Whooping Cough — to those that have been around it before — is no laughing matter. The ailment, which can become deadly, has reached the level of 25,000 cases or more, as the rate of incidents has steadily risen in recent times.
In 2004, over 25,000 U.S. cases were reported, and the rate continues to climb every year — especially among minorities. With Whooping Cough — pertussis — regularly being misdiagnosed, it sometimes takes three to four visits for a proper diagnosis to be formed.
Most infants are vaccinated against pertussis, but that immunity diminishes after reaching adolescence. Teens and adults are best served by having a booster shot to restore that immunity.
Author by Brian White
