Whooping Cough Still Widespread

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Most people who have heard of pertussis, or whooping cough think it was eradicated 30 years ago and is no longer a problem. The truth is pertussis is widespread in the United States, and there is actually a vaccine that can be given to adults to help deal with spread.

The CDC recommended that adults 19 to 64 years of age receive a single booster dose of what is called the Tdap to replace the old tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccine.

Pertussis is not something to be ignored. In teens, it can cause what is called the "hundred days cough" and for parents with infants at home, there is danger of spreading whooping cough to the baby.