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- Whooping Cough
- SYMPTOMS. First signs appear as a runny nose, teary eyes, sneezing and other
- cold-like signs. There is rarely a fever. At night there is a hacking cough
- that gradually begins to show up in daytime. The cough becomes paroxysmal in
- 10 to 14 days.
- CAUSES. It is a highly communicable disease that is caused by bacteria. It
- is most common before the age of 2 but it may occur at any age. The coughing
- usually lasts 4 to 6 weeks and may be transmitted during the first 4 weeks.
- The disease is usually communicated through the air from the infected person
- TREATMENT. A seriously ill infant may require hospitalization.
- .A mild illness of an older child may require bed rest.
- .Intravenous fluids may be required to treat serious vomiting.
- .Antibiotics may be prescribed. A preventive vaccine is available.