The public health department has warned local doctors that the region is in the midst of a significant increase in walking pneumonia cases, especially among children age 2 to 4. Whooping cough

Massachusetts public health officials are also monitoring an increase in walking pneumonia in recent weeks, particularly among children and young adults. According to the CDC, common symptoms of the illness include cough, fever, headache, and fatigue.

Do seniors 65 and older need to take a booster for whooping cough? What is the danger to seniors? It depends on how long it’s been since you last had your whooping cough vaccine. For adults, the CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine every ten years.

We’re seeing common pre-pandemic illnesses return with a bit of a vengeance,” said Dr. Michael Koster, of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.