HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -
A possible case of whooping cough at a local elementary school has parents asking a lot of questions. The possible case was reported at Farley Elementary School this week.
"The reason it got its name is because when they try to breathe in, they whoop and it's a real distinctive sound you hear," said WAFF Medical Expert Dr. Tim Howard.
Howard said when it comes to this infection, the very young, the very old and people who haven't been immunized are most likely to catch this cough.
"Let's say you have a very young child who is exposed to it, they have only gotten maybe one or two immunizations," Howard said. "They aren't fully immunized and this is part of the standard routine but they still contract it. Those are the ones you're concerned about."
Howard said it's a series of five immunizations with boosters every five to ten years. Symptoms include low grade fever, runny nose and a cough.
If you think your child might have this cough, Howard advises to wash your hands, keep away from sick children and if you have a child who has the symptoms, keep them out of school.
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If your child has whooping cough symptoms, doctors advise you keep them home from school.
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