Is whooping cough contagious to adults
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Whooping cough sound...
About Whooping Cough
What it is
Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans.
Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system.
Symptoms of whooping cough in adults
The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.
Symptoms
Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they've been vaccinated or not.
Keep Reading:Symptoms
Risk factors
Age and underlying medical conditions can increase someone's risk for getting a severe case of whooping cough.
It's especially important to prevent these people from getting sick.
Age
Babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk for getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it.
Medical conditions
People with pre-existing health conditions that may be worsened by whooping cough are at high risk for developing a severe infection.
Some conditions that could be made worse by whooping cough include, but are not limited
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