Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways that causes coughing bouts ending in a characteristic “whoop.” It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is spread in airborne droplets. Initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold.
Later symptoms include the distinctive cough, vomiting, and sometimes nosebleeds.
In severe cases, breathing may stop temporarily and seizures may occur.
Severe pertussis may be life-threatening and requires urgent medical treatment.
In such cases, treatment includes antibiotics, and sometimes oxygen therapy and intravenous medication. Otherwise, for those who have had pertussis for less than 3 weeks, antibiotics may be prescribed. Those who have had the infection for more than 3 weeks do not usually need specific medical treatment.
A vaccine is usually given combined with other vaccines, such as diphtheria, polio, and tetanus

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