Why is whooping cough dangerous for babies?
ANSWER
Whooping cough in babies can be a serious illness. It can cause breathing problems and pneumonia, and sometimes is deadly. Very young infants are especially vulnerable, since the whooping cough vaccine isn't given to babies until they are 2 months old.
Reviewed by Renee A. Alli on February 7, 2021
SOURCES:
CDC: "Vaccines and Immunizations," "Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines: What You Need to Know."
eMedicine: "Pertussis."
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
SOURCES:
CDC: "Vaccines and Immunizations," "Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines: What You Need to Know."
eMedicine: "Pertussis."
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
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