Whooping cough is very contagious and can cause severe irritation of the nasopharyx (where the nasal passages meet the back of the throat). This irritation leads to periods of coughing that occur in three distinct stages that can last several months.
The best prevention is to make sure your children’s vaccinations are current. Also, good hand washing and staying away from those who are ill, especially if they have a cough, are good methods of prevention.
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