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\nWhooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that\u2019s making a comeback in the United States.
\nLearn what you can do to protect yourself and others.
\nThe best way to prevent whooping cough is to get\u202fvaccinated. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone.
\nLearn who should get which whooping cough vaccines and when.
\nGetting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against whooping cough.
\nPreventive antibiotics, also known as postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis (PEP), are medicines given to someone that has been exposed to a harmful bacteria in order to help prevent them from getting sick.
\nDoctors and local health departments generally determine who should get preventive antibiotics. For people exposed to whooping cough, CDC recommends preventive antibiotics only if they:
\nIf you\u2019ve been exposed to the bacteria that cause whooping cough, talk to your doctor about whether you need preventive antibiotics. This is especially important if there is a baby or pregnant woman in your household or you plan to have contact with a baby or pregnant woman.
\nLearn more about postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis.
\nCDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause whooping cough and other respiratory illnesses.
\nPeople who have had whooping cough have some natural immunity (protection) to future whooping cough infections. Getting sick with whooping cough doesn\u2019t provide lifelong protection.
\nCDC recommends whooping cough vaccination even if you have had the disease before, since natural immunity fades and does not offer lifelong protection.
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