We're in cold and flu season here in Texas, so it's not unusual to wake up one morning and have the sniffles or even a nagging cough.
Unfortunately, health experts are warning that that cough might be a little more concerning than usual.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Lone Star State has seen three times as many cases as whooping cough as in 2023!
According to KVUE, Pertussis, or whooping cough, is highly contagious and symptoms in the beginning are similar to a common cold, but worse after a week or two.
Dr. Varun Shetty, the chief state epidemiologist for the DSHS, explained, "It'll be things like a cough, runny nose, maybe a mild fever that can last for a week or two, and then you start seeing these more hallmark symptoms of pertussis, this really bad cough that starts all of a sudden and goes on and on.
"It can cause a lot of discomfort, and then it could cause this classic whooping sound when someone tries to breathe in while they're coughing. It can be difficult to watch."
Shetty advises that people who have or suspect they have whooping cough should stay away from others and contact their health care provider for treatment as soon as possible.
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