(HealthDay News) — Whooping cough (pertussis) is a viral infection that can cause serious complications in children under age 1.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says signs of the infection include:
- Cold-like symptoms including stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, fever and mild cough. A more serious cough develops over time and can persist for weeks.
- Rapid, violent and persistent coughing that forces air from the lungs and results in a loud “whoop” sound during inhalation.
- Babies may have apnea, a condition characterized by pauses in breathing.
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