Whooping cough cases surging across US

CHARLOTTE — Whooping cough is surging across the country and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

The CDC reports 32,000 cases have been reported so far this year. That’s six times more than this time last year.

Doctors say infants are particularly sensitive to the respiratory illness. Vaccination is the best way to stay protected against it.

“This is like our respiratory virus season, is what we call it a lot of times,” said Noah Gurr, a clinical pharmacist at Moose Pharmacy in Concord.

Gurr says they’re seeing more viral infections, especially in children.

“We’re seeing a lot of kids coming in with those signs and symptoms, like a cough, runny nose, a lot of congestion and fever,” Gurr said.

Another common symptom is difficulty breathing. When that occurs, Gurr says most will turn to nebulizer solutions.

“That’s the easiest way for them to get relief from if they’re having trouble breathing,” Gurr said.

He added that it’s important to take preventable measures.

“Make sure you’re doing what we’re all really taught growing up: wash your hands, try to stay away [from infection sources], disinfect items that have been touched,” he said.

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