does whooping cough have any long lasting effects?

[bear81]

whooping cough and long lasting effects?

[Clanad]

Sure does... death! Our Center for Disease Control (U.S.) says: "The disease is most dangerous for babies and young children. From 2004 through 2010, there were 148 deaths from whooping cough reported in the U.S. Almost all the deaths-135 of the 148-were babies 3 months and younger.

More than half of babies younger than 1 year who get the disease need care in the hospital. About 1 out of 5 babies and children with whooping cough will get pneumonia (a serious lung infection). Whooping cough can also cause seizures (jerking or staring) and brain damage."

The same site also says: "Pertussis itself can cause pneumonia, especially in infants. Sometimes this can be severe, requiring intensive care. Following such severe disease, people may recover gradually and may not recover completely. Lasting effects on lung function might result in shortness of breath or fatigue that limits activity. The potential for serious and lasting effects of pertussis are an important reason that children should begin their vaccines and receive every dose on time."

However other sites seem to indicate severe, long lasting effects are fairly rare...

[jewellerjim]

certainly does - my aunt was left severly brain damaged

[cazzz1975]

I had whooping cough as a child, I am "okay" now luckily

[murraymints]

I had it as a child..no hangover..

[Sqad]

I agree with the post of Clanad.

The most common complication is pneumonia and this responds well to antibiotics and only rarely leads to chronic lung disease (bronchiectasis)

Brain damage is extremely rare.

[momcj]

OMG Clanad answer quite scarey! and might freak u out if ur asking because u r worried about someone.My daughter had whooping cough at 2 mths old. Was is hospital for 2 weeks, it was quite serious at the time, at point nurse pressed alarm button, about 8 staff ran in room! They told me there should be no long lasting effects. She is 8 next week and has had no problems etc since and fingers crossed she doesnt.