**Whooping Cough Surge: Newborns At Risk, Says Conlon**

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Post on Nov 08, 2024

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Whooping Cough Surge: Newborns Are Most Vulnerable, Warns Dr. Conlon

It's a real bummer, but whooping cough (pertussis) is making a comeback, and this time, it's hitting newborns the hardest. Dr. Conlon, a leading expert in infectious diseases, has raised the alarm, warning that the rise in pertussis cases is particularly alarming for babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

This isn't some kind of medical mystery. Whooping cough, spread through tiny droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes, is highly contagious. While adults can usually shake it off, infants are super vulnerable, often developing serious complications like pneumonia, seizures, and even death.

So, what's going on? A few things are at play here. First, vaccine protection can wear off over time, meaning adults who were vaccinated as kids might not be fully protected. Secondly, the pertussis vaccine isn't 100% effective, even when it's given on schedule. And lastly, some parents are opting out of vaccinating their kids, which creates a perfect storm for the disease to spread.

Dr. Conlon is urging everyone to get vaccinated. He's also stressing the importance of "cocooning," which means ensuring everyone around a newborn is fully vaccinated to protect the baby.

It's kinda scary, but don't freak out just yet. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated and encourage others to do the same.

Here's what you can do:

• Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated. Even if you've been vaccinated before, you might need a booster shot.
• Get your baby vaccinated on schedule. The pertussis vaccine is typically given as part of the DTaP vaccine.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Whooping cough is a serious threat, especially for our tiniest citizens. We can all do our part to fight this surge by getting vaccinated and protecting those who are most vulnerable. Let's get this done!