What is pertussis?

Pertussis - or whooping cough - is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It's characterized by severe coughing spells that end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.

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1. What is pertussis?
2. Who is most at risk for pertussis?
3. What are the symptoms of pertussis?
4. How do I protect my baby from pertussis?
5. Why is TdaP for new mothers important?
6. How do I get help for my child?