(Reprinted from an ABC News Article)

No longer a distant memory from the Great Depression, whooping cough has made an alarming resurgence in the United States.

Current infant vaccinations may no longer be enough, since immunity against the disease seems to wear off at adolescence, and the government is now considering a booster shot to help fight the often deadly illness.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection characterized by violent coughing fits, gasps for air that resemble “whoop” sounds, and vomiting.

The symptoms can last for up to two months, and while an antibiotic is available to prevent spread of the disease, “it won’t shorten the illness in the person already infected,” says Trudy Murphy, a medical epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Complications from the disease can include pneumonia and physical lung damage.

While incidence of the disease plunged following development of the vaccine in the 1940s, numbers have been steadily increasing since the 1970s. A preliminary CDC count estimated more than 11,000 pertussis cases in the past year, an increase of more than 2,000 from the previous year and the highest count recorded in 30 years.

Regional outbreaks have been reported across the country, from New Hampshire and Vermont to Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Whooping cough is often fatal to young babies. While older patients generally recover, they are the major source of infection for vulnerable infants. According to the CDC, the number of infants younger than 5 months reported with whooping cough grew from about 600 a year in the early 1980s to about 1,700 a year at the end of the 1990s.

Children are supposed to begin an immunization series against pertussis at 2, 4, and 6 months to confer protection, with two additional doses until their 6th birthdays. But Dr. Stephen Aronoff, chair of pediatrics at Temple University School of Medicine, says that he sees “a large number” of children above 6 months with the disease, a sign of “decreased acceptance of the vaccine by parents.”

Indeed, the latest figures from the CDC show that, from 2002-2003, only about 83 percent of infants were vaccinated against pertussis. “So there is room for improvement,” says Murphy.

According to Dr. Carol Stanwyck, author of a CDC study on lags in immunization for young children, pre-school vaccination policies are poorly enforced.

Aronoff says “it is well established that parents can best protect their young children from pertussis by vaccination or by moving to the moon, away from other people. Given the costs and risks of space travel, I would recommend the former.”

However, “whooping cough is the only vaccine-preventable disease that has not been completely controlled by routine childhood immunization,” according to Dr. John Modlin, chair of pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School. And officials now realize the need for added measures against the disease.

Researchers have found that immunity against pertussis declines five to 10 years after the vaccine series. Concerns that this may contribute to the resurgence have prompted the U.S. government to look at a new option: a booster shot for adolescents. Canada, Germany, France and Australia currently have this kind of protocol in place.

Adolescents and adults who have lost immunity become more likely to get the disease, and because it is less severe in older individuals — not much more than a bad cough — it can often go undiagnosed. The problem then arises when they pass the disease on to babies.

A booster would cut down on this source of transmission, and many physicians, like Dr. Blaise Congeni, the director of infectious disease at Akron Children’s Hospital, are “tremendously supportive” of the idea.

Adds Congeni, there also needs to be increased awareness among doctors about the prevalence of the disease. “Many young doctors have never made the diagnosis,” he says. “If you can catch it in incubation period, you can prevent it.”

And for now, according to Murphy, “the message is for parents with young infants to get your child vaccinated on time.”

When you think baby, you may think cute, sweet and new.  Undoubtedly, another characteristic babies share is that they cry.  Parents will often tell you that one of their biggest fears is that they won’t know what to do if their baby cries.  Because babies have no other means of communication, crying is one way that they can tell you that they are hungry, in pain, have fear, need sleep, etc.  As a new parent, it may be difficult for you to interpret the true meaning of the cry.

We have put together the most common reason for tears!  Work through this list and hopefully, you’ll discover the source of your little one’s angst.  By the first month of life, Moms and Dads alike can begin to identify certain cries with certain behaviors. 

1.       I’m Hungry!

 This is probably the first thing you think of when your baby cries. Most newborns will be ready to eat between 2-4 hours from their last feeding.  Some signs of being ready to eat include fussing, rooting, putting their hands in their mouth or trying to suck on objects.  Learning to recognize the signs of hunger will help you start your baby’s feedings before they start crying.

2.      I’m Stinky!

A parent’s least favorite job (especially Dads!) is changing a diaper.  Many babies are very sensitive to a change in the way their skin feels when they are wet or dirty.  Often times this is the source of the cry and by checking your baby’s diaper frequently, you can avoid the inevitable cry!

3.      I’m Tired!

You thought we were talking about you, didn’t you?  Although parents are brought close to tears on most days because of sleep deprivation, infants are equally as sensitive.  A new baby in the house is often the source for sibling amusement and a seemingly endless visits from family and friends.  As a result, infants who are continually stimulated have a much more difficult time falling asleep.  Because they are over-tired, infants may fuss and cry.  These instances may result in a much longer crying period before they can begin to self-soothe and fall asleep.  The goal during your newborn’s first few weeks of life is to pay attention to its cues.  If your baby is yawning, has been awake or stimulated for an extended period of time, take the baby into a quiet room, turn down the lights and keep stimulation to a minimum so they can fall asleep.

4.      Need Some Me Time

Babies love to be cuddled! They like looking at their parents’  faces, hearing their voices, and listening  to their heartbeats. Crying can be their way of asking for some attention. Despite what others will tell you, you cannot spoil your baby by holding him/her too much.  Quite the contrary!  Babies that are held and loved tend be more even tempered.  By swaddling your baby or keeping them close to you in a wrap or baby carrier, you can keep your baby feeling secure.

5.      My Tummy Hurts!

A common misconception is that every baby that cries is colicky.  Colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, at least three days a week, at least three weeks in a row. This is a distinct condition and should be discussed with your pediatrician.  Before using any over the counter remedies, make sure to talk to your doctor.  If you suspect that your baby has a “gassy” belly, try to burp him frequently during feeds and keep is head elevated for about 20-25 minutes after the feeding.  Most crying associated with reflux or gas is usually patterned around feeding times.  Keep track of these episodes and discuss them with your doctor.  Although it’s unusual for a newborn to be constipated, your baby may be having difficulty passing stool.  This may require a change in their diet – your pediatrician can help you find safe dietary interventions.

6.      I’m Cold!

You’ll find that babies cry frequently when their clothes are being changed or when their diaper is being changed.  Like we mentioned earlier, babies are less tolerant to skin changes whether it be hot/cold or wet/dirty.  Infants enjoy being bundled and kept warm. 

7.       Ouch!

Babies are very sensitive to things you might not even notice – a snug elastic band, an uncomfortable sleep position or even by something as hard to spot as a hair wrapped tightly around a tiny toe or finger, cutting off circulation.  When evaluating your baby’s cry, take a look at what might be hurting him/her. 

8.      All I Want For Christmas is My 2 Front Teeth!

Teething can be painful as each new tooth pushes through your baby’s gums.  If your baby appears inconsolable, but you are beginning to see some evidence of tooth eruption, you may consider giving them a teething toy or pain medications as prescribed by your physician.  On average, the first tooth breaks through between 4 and 7 months, but it can happen earlier or later.

9.      Let’s Play!

Some babies use crying as a way to demand some attention and play time.  Use those great baby gifts to make this an easy task.  For a busy parent, it may be difficult to stop and play, but having some other means of keeping your baby interested like music or toys might be an alternative. 

10.   I’m Sick!

As a parent, your first instinct may be to believe your baby is ill.  Check his temperature to rule out a fever and be alert for other signs of illness. The cry of a sick baby is usually different from one caused by hunger or frustration. Doctors will tell you that a parental “gut instinct” is often the right one!  If your baby is crying and it doesn’t sound “right”, call your physician to get a second opinion.

Although a baby’s cry can be disconcerting, we hope that these tips will help you find some successful ways to help stop the crying so that you and your baby can enjoy your time together!