Cases of whooping cough have increased (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Whooping cough can be dangerous and even fatal for babies. Parents are therefore urged to stay on the lookout for symptoms and know what action to take if their child falls ill with the condition.

This is an infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It spreads very easily and can be serious, health experts say. The NHS explains that it's important for babies, children and anyone who's pregnant to get vaccinated against it.

According to figures, there were around 15,000 cases reported in England in 2024, up from 856 the year before, and 11 babies died. A new nasal spray vaccine is now being developed for whooping cough, as reported by ChronicleLive .

At present, babies, children and pregnant women are a

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