Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. The first reported outbreak was in the 16th century. However, the vaccine was produced in 1906. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are roughly 16 million cases and 195,000 deaths per year due to this disease. Whooping cough begins like a typical cold, however, becomes progressively worse. Symptoms that are common in Pertussis include difficulty eating, sleeping, and breathing. More severe symptoms include vomiting, cracked ribs, and hospitalization. The illness can last weeks to months if left untreated. It is strongly recommended for individuals over the age of 19 to receive the Tdap vaccine. This is a one-time
