Whooping cough is making a troubling comeback across the U.S., with nearly 6,600 cases already recorded this year — almost four times higher than this time last year. In 2024 alone, more than 35,000 cases were reported, resulting in 10 deaths, including six infants under one year old.

With infections rising sharply, many are wondering: What is whooping cough? How can you protect yourself and your loved ones, especially young children? And why are cases suddenly spiking?

To help answer these questions, CNN spoke with Dr. Leana Wen, a physician and public health expert, for a clear breakdown.

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough — or pertussis — is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact — especially risky for infants, who can be exposed simply by being held.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Pertussis often starts like a mild cold with symptoms such as:

• Low-grade fever
• Runny nose
• Mild cough

But things can escalate fast. The cough may become severe and violent, often ending in a high-pitched “whoop” as the person gasps for breath. Coughing fits can cause vomiting, disrupt sleep, and even break ribs in extreme cases.

For infants, whooping cough is particularly dangerous:

• 1 in 3 babies with pertussis are hospitalized
• 1 in 5 of those hospitalized develop pneumonia
• 1 in 50 experience convulsions
• 1 in 100 may die from complications

People with asthma or weakened immune systems are also at greater risk.

How It’s Diagnosed and Treated

Pertussis is diagnosed through symptoms or a nose and throat swab. Once diagnosed, early treatment with antibiotics — like azithromycin or clarithromycin — can reduce symptoms and shorten the contagious period.

Without treatment, a person can spread pertussis for up to two weeks after their cough begins.

Vaccines: Your Best Defense

There are two vaccines that protect against whooping cough:

• DTaP (for infants and young children)
• Tdap (for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women)

Recommended Vaccine Schedule:

• DTaP: 5 doses at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months, and 4–6 years
• Tdap: One dose at ages 11–12
• Adults: One Tdap if never received, then a booster every 10 years
• Pregnant Women: One Tdap between 27–36 weeks each pregnancy

Vaccination doesn’t just protect you — it helps shield vulnerable groups like newborns who aren’t fully immunized yet.

Why Are Cases Increasing?

Experts believe the spike may be due to a combination of:

• Reduced exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, which lowered natural immunity
• Falling childhood vaccination rates, a trend public health officials are urging families to reverse
• Delayed post-pandemic catch-up immunizations

How to Protect Yourself and Others

If someone in your household has whooping cough:

• Everyone in the household should take antibiotics within 21 days, even if they show no symptoms
• Practice frequent handwashing and limit contact
• Stay up to date with vaccinations
• See a doctor early if symptoms begin

This preventative approach — known as post-exposure prophylaxis — helps stop the spread before symptoms start.

The Bottom Line

With whooping cough cases climbing quickly, taking action now is key. Vaccinate, stay alert to symptoms, and don’t delay treatment. For parents, caregivers, and vulnerable individuals, a little awareness could make a life-saving difference.

Source: CNN – With whooping cough cases on the rise, a doctor explains how to protect yourself and others

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As children head back to school, there are simple but impactful ways you can support their health, happiness, and academic success. Every school day matters—not just for learning but also for physical, social, and emotional development. Here are five essential tips to help your child thrive this school year.

1. Prioritize Sleep, Exercise, and Nutrition

A solid foundation of sleep, exercise, and nutrition is crucial for your child’s success in school and social life. Start by ensuring they:

• Eat balanced meals, including a nutritious breakfast. Children who eat well perform better academically. Check if your school offers free or reduced-price meals.
• Stay hydrated with water throughout the day.
• Get plenty of physical activity and enough sleep. Lack of sleep affects memory, concentration, creativity, and overall learning.

2. Stay Current on Checkups and Vaccines

Schedule a well-child checkup before school starts, especially if your child hasn’t had one in the past year. This is also a good time to:

• Get a sports physical if your child will participate in school sports.
• Update any school medical emergency forms or treatment plans if your child takes medication at school.

Ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations, including the annual flu shot and any updated vaccines. Declining vaccination rates have led to outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio. Staying on schedule with immunizations protects your child and their classmates from severe illnesses.

If your child has lost health insurance through Medicaid or CHIP, seek assistance to restore coverage. Having insurance ensures your child gets the care they need to stay healthy and in school.

3. Support Your Child’s Mental Health

The past few years have been challenging for many kids and teens. Encourage your child to share their feelings openly, and let them know they can talk to you without judgment. To support their mental health:

• Watch for signs of anxiety, depression, or changes in behavior.
• Prioritize family routines like shared meals and walks, which can open the door to meaningful conversations.
• Safely store firearms, as access to unsecured guns increases the risk of suicide.

If you’re unsure how to help or need guidance, talk to your pediatrician. Schools may also have mental health resources available.

4. Address Racism, Bullying, and Kindness

Some children avoid school due to bullying, discrimination, or racism. Have open conversations with your child about:

• Reporting bullying or discrimination to a trusted adult.
• The importance of treating everyone with respect.
• How acts of kindness can reduce stress and positively impact everyone’s well-being.

5. Promote Mindful Media Use

A new school year is a perfect opportunity to establish or revisit your family’s media plan. Help your child balance screen time with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy habits. Encourage:

• High-quality programs and games.
• Critical thinking about online information to avoid false or harmful content.

Also, discuss your child’s social media habits and how they can use these platforms responsibly.

Remember

Your child’s health is key to their success in school. If you have questions about their well-being, contact your pediatrician or the school nurse. These professionals can guide you in keeping your child healthy and ready to learn every day.

Source

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This cough was a sign that her daughter might have mycoplasma pneumonia, an infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. According to the CDC, cases began rising in the U.S. during the spring and summer, and this trend has continued into fall. In Dallas, Sharma noticed a significant increase in cases after children returned to school.

“Kids are spreading it to one another in schools, and they are likely bringing it home to their families,” Sharma explains.

Mycoplasma pneumonia often presents with upper respiratory symptoms, but some children may also experience red eyes or rashes, along with headaches.

Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., reports a tenfold increase in mycoplasma pneumonia cases this year. The good news is that many cases are mild, which is why it’s often referred to as “walking pneumonia.”

“People may assume they just have a mild cold, but they might actually have mycoplasma pneumonia,” Ward says.

New York City has also experienced a surge in cases. Dr. Adam Ratner, who heads the pediatric infectious diseases division at NYU and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, notes that while the infection typically affects children and teens aged 5 to 17, there has been a noticeable rise in cases among younger children aged 2 to 4 during this current spike.

“That’s consistent with what we are seeing nationwide,” Ratner says, and he is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases.

Most children can be treated at home. Parents should ensure their kids stay hydrated, give age-appropriate fever medication as needed, and encourage plenty of rest. For children over one year old, honey can help soothe a cough.

Parents should contact a doctor if they notice their child has difficulty breathing, isn’t drinking enough fluids, seems excessively sleepy, or has a fever lasting more than five days.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is easily treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to use the correct one. Amoxicillin, commonly prescribed for other types of pneumonia, is ineffective against mycoplasma pneumonia; instead, a macrolide antibiotic like azithromycin is necessary.

Sharma advises that kids can return to school once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever reducers, provided they feel well enough.

However, it’s important to note that symptoms such as cough and runny nose can persist for weeks, and children may continue to spread the bacteria during this time. This is one reason why outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia tend to last a long time.

Now is a good time to remind children—and ourselves—to wash our hands frequently and cover our coughs and sneezes, as the winter respiratory virus season is just beginning.

Source

The post Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.