In the News
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported an increase in whooping cough, also known as pertussis, and walking pneumonia cases among kids. "Infants, especially those under three months of age, are at high risk for complications, including life-threatening complications from pertussis," said Zachary Hoy, M.D., a board-certified pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix® Hospitalist of Nashville. "The two scariest complications are apnea, which is a prolonged pause in breathing that can cause lack of oxygen, heart disturbances or pneumonia," said Dr. Hoy. He noted that pneumonia is more concerning in younger infants. "They do not have as much reserve when they are breathing faster and may require oxygen more than older children." Dr. Hoy added that increased numbers of walking pneumonia could be due to antibiotic resistance.
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