Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be serious especially in young children. While the prolonged coughing is a nuisance, it can lead to complications like pneumonia which can be life-threatening. In young babies, the coughing fits and vomiting can interfere with feeding and sleeping, preventing them from getting adequate nutrition and rest to fight the infection. Brain damage is also a risk due to lack of oxygen during coughing fits. Whooping cough is highly infectious during the early stages when symptoms are mild. Vaccination is the best defense against whooping cough. If a child is suspected of having whooping cough, they should see a doctor right away to receive antibiotics and prevent complications.