Deeper Dive: KFL&A Public Health talk whooping cough

Cases are on the rise

Cases of Pertussis are on the rise both locally in KFL&A and across the province, so Public Health is urging parents and guardians to keep themselves and their children up to date with the pertussis vaccine.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious lung and airway infection. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

We spoke with Joan Black, public health nurse at KFL&A Public Health, who told us about some of the symptoms to look out for.

This severe cough can last for weeks, even months.

Anyone can get Pertussis. But those most at risk are infants under one year old, with infants under 6-months most at risk.

One way to protect yourself is to make sure you and your children are up to date on your Pertussis vaccinations. Black says you should also treat this how you would any other respiratory infection.

If you're looking to get up to date on your immunization, you should call your primary care provider.  If you do not have a primary care provider, you can visit a public health immunization clinic. You can book online and choose the location nearest you.

To learn more about pertussis, visit can visit Public Health's Pertussis (Whooping Cough) page here.