Cases of whooping cough have been on the rise in Southern California. The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health says that the total number of cases in the county has nearly tripled compared to last year, which is why they are urging everyone to take preventative measures against the highly contagious respiratory illness.
Whooping cough is also known as pertussis – but the colloquial way of referring to it is not only easier, it’s descriptive name identifies the main symptom: a distinct sound made from the intake of air after coughing.
The symptoms also include a runny or stuffed up nose, low grade fever, fatigue, and coughing fits. They can last up to 10 weeks, and the sickness itself is highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets.Pregnant women, Infants under 12 months and newborns are at the highest risk and are encouraged to get the vaccine against whooping cough, known as TDAP…