It is a very serious disease which can block the airway, making it impossible to breathe. It can also cause heart problems. Five to ten out of 100 people who get diphtheria die. Three out of ten people who get tetanus die. Pertussis is easily spread when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.
Pertussis can cause spells of violent coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe, drink or eat.
The cough can last for weeks. This disease is most serious for babies. Babies can get pneumonia, have seizures, have brain damage, or even die. About half of the babies who get pertussis have to go to the hospital. There are pertussis outbreaks every year because children are not immunized.