Have you ever been awoken in the middle of the night by the relentless sound of a child coughing? As parents, our instinct is to rush to their side, comfort them, and hope it’s just a fleeting cold. But what if that cough is the ominous bark of pertussis, known familiarly as whooping cough, a threat that’s been quietly resurgent in recent years?

What Exactly is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It starts off like a common cold, making its early detection tricky. But soon, those symptoms evolve into violent coughing fits that can leave both children and parents gasping for relief. The name “whooping cough” comes from the sound of the cough itself—a desperate, whooping gasp for air that can last for months.

Why is Pertussis Particularly Dangerous for Infants?

In my years as a pediatric nurse, I’ve seen the heartbreaking toll pertussis can take on infants. Over half of those who contract it require hospitalization, a stark statistic shared by Dr. Francis Darr, a dedicated pediatrician in Marquette. Once the disease takes hold, there’s little that can be done aside from offering supportive care, preventing further spread, and waiting for the illness to exhaust itself. It’s a waiting game that no parent should have to endure.

How Can We Prevent This Disease?

The silver lining is that pertussis is largely preventable. Prevention, as Dr. Darr eloquently points out, is our strongest weapon. The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is recommended for babies at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months, as well as for pregnant women to protect their newborns. Despite the availability of this vaccine, Michigan has seen a surge in cases, with over 1,500 reported this year alone—more than double the average from 2017 to 2019.

Why is Vaccination So Critical?

The simple truth is vaccines save lives. They act as a shield, protecting not just the individual who receives them, but also the broader community. In Michigan, about 83% of children receive their first dose by the time they’re 3 months old, yet only 65.5% complete the series by 19 months. We must do better for the health of our children and our communities.

Veronica McNally, who tragically lost her daughter Francesca to whooping cough in 2012, has become a fierce advocate for vaccination. Her experience underscores the urgent need for public awareness and action against such preventable diseases.

What Can We Do to Help?

The holiday season, a time for gathering and celebration, should not be marred by preventable illness. Thus, it’s crucial for families to ensure they’re up to date on immunizations. For adults, the CDC recommends a TDaP booster every 10 years to maintain immunity and protect the vulnerable children in our lives.

In closing, let’s remember that our greatest strength as a community lies in our ability to protect one another. Whether it’s ensuring our children are vaccinated, spurring conversations about health, or simply supporting one another through times of concern, each effort counts. As a former nurse and now a health writer, my heart is with every family navigating the complexities of childhood illnesses. Let’s work together to keep our youngest safe, healthy, and thriving. For more detailed information about vaccines, please visit the CDC’s website.