Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can turn deadly for young babies, a new study warns. Doctors are urging moms-to-be to get vaccinated during pregnancy to shield their newborns from this dangerous bacterial infection.
This highly contagious bug attacks the lungs and airways, triggering intense coughing spells that often end with a distinctive “whoop” sound when the person catches their breath. In adults and older kids, it can drag on for weeks or even months. But things look very different in infants, says Dr. Caitlin Li, an infectious disease expert at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
“Babies might not even make that classic whoop,” Li explains. “Instead, they could face apnea—sudden stops in breathing—which is a big red flag.” Li, who also teaches pediatrics at Northwestern University, notes that pertussis in little ones can spike white blood cell counts so high that doctors sometimes mix it up with leukemia or other serious issues unrelated to infection.
The team’s advice, published in the journal Pediatrics, couldn’t be clearer: If an infant shows sky-high white blood cells, think pertussis right away. And the best defense? Maternal vaccination during pregnancy. “It’s crucial because newborns are so vulnerable to complications from whooping cough,” Li says. “Vaccinating moms passes protection to the baby before birth, helping prevent these tragic cases. Plus, getting everyone vaccinated builds a stronger shield for the community.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) backs this up with clear guidelines on pertussis vaccination. Kids get doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, then 15 to 18 months, and again at 4 to 6 years. Teens need a booster around 11 to 12 years, with a catch-up shot by 18. For pregnant women, the CDC pushes for a shot every time, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to cut down on whooping cough deaths in infants.
When it comes to treatment, act fast. Experts recommend starting antibiotics as soon as pertussis is suspected or confirmed. If caught early, they can ease symptoms. Even if it’s later in the illness, the meds still help curb spreading it to others. Staying on top of whooping cough prevention and quick action could save lives, especially for the tiniest patients.
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