Whooping Cough in Kids: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Key Points

• Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the respiratory system.
• Symptoms include severe coughing fits, breathing difficulties, and a “whooping” sound when inhaling.
• Infants and young children are at the highest risk of complications.
• Illinois has reported over 1,900 cases of whooping cough in 2024, the highest in over a decade.
• Vitality Urgent Care offers on-site PCR testing and treatment for whooping cough.
• Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough.

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits, making it difficult for children to breathe. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Illinois has seen a significant rise in cases, with 1,902 cases reported by late November 2024, a threefold increase compared to the previous year. Chicago alone recorded 217 cases by October 1, 2024, the highest in six years.

Babies under 6 months old are at the highest risk for severe complications, including pneumonia and breathing difficulties.

Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough in Kids

Early Symptoms (First 1-2 Weeks)

• Runny nose
• Mild fever
• Occasional coughing
• Sneezing

Severe Symptoms (2-6 Weeks)

• Severe coughing fits – Sudden, uncontrollable coughing spells
• Whooping sound – A high-pitched “whoop” when inhaling after a cough
• Vomiting after coughing – Due to excessive force from coughing spells
• Fatigue and difficulty breathing – The body struggles to recover between coughs

Recovery Stage (Weeks to Months)

• The cough gradually improves but can last for several months.
• Whooping cough is sometimes called the “100-day cough” due to its prolonged recovery period.

According to the CDC, infants may not develop the classic “whoop” but can experience dangerous pauses in breathing (apnea).

What Causes Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These bacteria attach to the lining of the airways, releasing toxins that cause inflammation and mucus buildup, leading to severe coughing spells.

Who Is at Risk for Whooping Cough?

• Unvaccinated children – Babies too young to be vaccinated are at the highest risk.
• Weakened immune systems – Children with chronic illnesses may struggle to fight infections.
• Exposure to infected individuals – Close contact with someone who has pertussis increases risk.

Illinois currently ranks fourth nationwide for whooping cough cases, following Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and New York.

How to Prevent Whooping Cough in Kids

DTaP Vaccine (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)

• Given in 5 doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
• Provides strong protection, but immunity can fade over time.

Tdap Booster

• Given at age 11-12 and during pregnancy to protect newborns.
• Helps maintain immunity and reduce the risk of spreading pertussis.

Other Preventive Measures

• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.

Whooping Cough Testing & Treatment at Vitality Urgent Care

On-Site PCR Testing

• We offer rapid PCR testing for whooping cough at our clinic.
• Fast and accurate results help confirm the diagnosis quickly.

Prescription Treatments

• Antibiotics – Help reduce contagiousness and shorten the illness duration if taken early (e.g., Azithromycin, Clarithromycin).
• Oxygen Therapy – Used for infants with breathing difficulties.
• Hydration and Rest – Important for symptom management and recovery.

Supportive Care

• Use a humidifier – Moist air can help soothe coughing fits.
• Rest in an upright position – Helps breathing during severe coughing episodes.
• Monitor for breathing difficulties – Infants may need hospital care.

When to Visit Vitality Urgent Care for Whooping Cough

• Severe or uncontrollable coughing fits
• Difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing
• Vomiting after coughing
• Bluish skin (especially around the lips or fingertips)
• High fever that doesn’t improve

Early treatment can help prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection.

Get Expert Pediatric Care at Vitality Urgent Care

We’re open 7 days a week, 365 days a year for fast, reliable treatment:

• Mon-Fri: 8 AM – 8 PM
• Sat-Sun: 8 AM – 4 PM

Visit us at: 56 W Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Walk-in or schedule an appointment online: Book Here

Vitality Urgent Care provides on-site PCR testing and treatment for whooping cough. With cases surging in Illinois, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial—protect your child today!

 

Vitality Urgent Care is a trusted provider of walk-in medical services, serving communities across Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Northbrook, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, and surrounding areas. Our state-of-the-art clinics offer expert urgent care and occupational health services, ensuring fast, affordable, and high-quality healthcare 365 days a year.

Our team provides treatment for illnesses, injuries, and preventive care, with on-site X-rays, lab testing, IV hydration, and more—making it easy for you to get the care you need without the long wait times.

For more information or to find a location near you, visit Vitality Urgent Care.

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Sinus Infection Draining You? Recover Fast and Breathe Easy

Sinus Infection Draining You? Recover Fast and Breathe Easy

Sinus infections have a way of showing up at the worst possible time. Whether you’re trying to power through a busy workday or enjoy family time, dealing with headaches, congestion, and constant fatigue is no fun. Luckily, if you’re in Buffalo Grove, you don’t have to suffer through it—Vitality Urgent Care offers same-day sinus infection treatment to help you bounce back fast.

Why Do Sinus Infections Happen?

Your sinuses are tiny air-filled spaces that can get blocked due to:

• Colds and flu: Viral infections lead to inflammation and mucus buildup.
• Allergies: Seasonal or year-round allergens can cause swelling and mucus production.
• Irritants: Smoke, pollution, and strong chemicals can trigger sinus problems.
• Structural issues: A deviated septum or nasal polyps can prevent mucus from draining, leading to recurring infections.

Spot the Signs: When Is It More Than Just a Cold?

Sinus infections often start with typical cold symptoms, but when they stick around or get worse, it’s time to take action. Watch for:

• Headache and facial pressure (especially around the eyes and nose)
• Thick mucus that’s yellow or green
• Fatigue and feeling run down
• Loss of smell and bad breath
• Sore throat and post-nasal drip
• Fever (especially in bacterial infections)

If your symptoms last more than 10 days, or if they get worse after a brief improvement, you may have a bacterial sinus infection that requires medical treatment.

Are Sinus Infections Contagious?

A viral sinus infection can be contagious, as the underlying cold or flu virus spreads from person to person. However, bacterial sinus infections—which often develop after prolonged congestion—aren’t contagious. Either way, if you or your child has persistent symptoms, it’s best to seek professional care.

Chronic Sinus Infections: Why Do They Keep Coming Back?

Do you feel like your sinus infections never fully go away? Chronic sinusitis may be caused by:

• Ongoing exposure to allergens or irritants
• Untreated structural issues like a deviated septum
• Repeated infections that aren’t properly treated

If sinus infections are becoming a regular part of your life, a healthcare provider can recommend treatments like nasal rinses, decongestants, or in some cases, surgery to correct structural problems.

Why Choose Vitality Urgent Care for Sinus Infection Treatment?

We get it—sinus infections can make you miserable. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing fast, effective relief with:

• Walk-in care: No need to schedule an appointment—just come in when you need us.
• On-site lab testing: Get quick results to determine if your infection is bacterial or viral.
• Open 7 days a week: We’re here when you need us, even on weekends.
• Most insurance plans accepted: We make quality care affordable for everyone.

Don’t Let Sinus Infections Slow You Down – Visit Vitality Urgent Care Today

Ready to breathe easy again? Whether you’re battling your first sinus infection or dealing with recurring sinusitis, Vitality Urgent Care in Buffalo Grove, IL is here to help.

Stop by today or call (224) 601-5001 for more information. No appointment is needed, and we offer affordable self-pay options for those without insurance. Don’t let sinus infections keep you down—get fast relief and get back to living your life!

 

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Winter Respiratory Illnesses in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Winter brings a higher risk of respiratory illnesses in children, with increased indoor time in schools and daycares creating ideal conditions for viruses and bacteria to spread. Sniffles, coughs, and fevers seem inevitable for parents this season. Fortunately, with awareness and expert care, you can help keep your child healthy.

At Vitality Urgent Care in Buffalo Grove, we specialize in treating common winter illnesses in children. Our team is here to provide prompt pediatric care and on-site testing to ensure your child feels better, faster.

Common Winter Respiratory illnesses in children

Here are the most frequent respiratory conditions we diagnose and treat:

1. Bronchiolitis

Caused by RSV, bronchiolitis inflames the small airways in the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough, wheezing, low-grade fever, and difficulty breathing.

2. Pneumonia

This lung infection, caused by viruses or bacteria, presents with high fever, labored breathing, chest pain, and fatigue.

3. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Characterized by severe coughing fits and a distinctive “whooping” sound, pertussis can lead to apnea in infants and prolonged coughing in kids.

4. The Common Cold

Typically mild, colds still cause lingering congestion, coughs, and throat irritation, affecting your child’s sleep and recovery.

5. Influenza (Flu)

The flu can quickly spread in schools and may result in fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, and even vomiting or diarrhea.

Early Symptoms to Watch For in Respiratory illnesses in children

Recognizing symptoms early can prevent complications and speed up recovery. Look for:

• Persistent cough or wheezing
• Fever over 102°F lasting more than two days
• Signs of dehydration (dry lips, fewer wet diapers in infants)
• Fatigue or unusual sluggishness

When these symptoms appear, it’s time to seek medical help.

Experts in Treatment of Respiratory illnesses in children

We provide comprehensive care tailored for kids with respiratory illnesses. Our on-site capabilities include:

PCR Bacterial and Viral Testing – Quickly identifies viruses like RSV or flu and bacteria like mycoplasma pneumoniae for accurate diagnosis.

Digital Radiology – On-site X-rays to detect pneumonia or complications, delivering faster diagnoses.

Tailored Treatment Plans – We personalize care with antibiotics, breathing treatments, and child-friendly medications as needed.

Pediatric-Trained Staff – Our experienced team ensures compassionate and expert care for children of all ages.

Prevention Tips for Winter Illnesses

While some illnesses are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce risk:

Encourage Handwashing – Teach kids to wash hands often with soap, removing germs they come into contact with at school or play.

Limit Exposure in Crowded Areas – Avoid busy indoor spaces when possible to reduce the spread of germs.

Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations – Ensure your child’s flu shot and pertussis boosters are completed.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and physical activity help strengthen their immune system.

Clean and Sanitize – Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home and shared toys.

Quick and Reliable Pediatric Urgent Care in Buffalo Grove

Looking for “pediatric PCR testing near me” or “on-site X-rays for kids in Buffalo Grove”? Our advanced equipment makes it easier to diagnose and treat respiratory infections in children. From identifying RSV in infants to managing wheezing in toddlers, we’re your trusted partner in pediatric health care.

Stay Ahead of Winter Illnesses

Respiratory infections don’t have to derail your family’s winter. At Vitality Urgent Care Buffalo Grove, we’re here to help with expert pediatric urgent care and same-day appointments. Whether it’s flu symptoms, RSV, or concerns about wheezing in your toddler, count on us for efficient, compassionate care.

Don’t wait—stop by today or book your appointment online. Together, we’ll keep your child safe, healthy, and happy this winter.

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Flu Virus (Influenza) – Frequently Asked Questions

Influenza

Curious about the flu and how to stay protected this flu season? Here are answers to the most common questions about flu symptoms, flu vaccines, treatments, and flu prevention tips. Vitality Urgent Care provides everything you need to navigate the seasonal flu with confidence. From rapid flu testing to treatment, we’re here to help you manage flu symptoms effectively, minimize complications, and protect your health.

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Fever in Kids: When to Seek Care

Fevers in kids can make any parent worry. While most fevers aren’t serious, there are times when it’s best to get it checked out—especially if you’re feeling unsure or concerned.

Our pediatric experts can quickly determine whether it’s a simple illness or something that needs more attention, using on-site testing and X-rays for accurate results.

When to Bring Your Child In:

• You’re concerned or unsure and want peace of mind
• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• Fever over 102°F that doesn’t respond to medicine
• Trouble breathing or vomiting that doesn’t stop
• Rashes or unusual spots
• Extreme tiredness, sleepiness, or loss of appetite

If something feels off, don’t hesitate to visit. We’ll make sure your child is well taken care of.

🚶Walk-In or Schedule an Appointment

📍56 W Dundee Rd., Buffalo Grove IL 60089
📞 Call us: (224) 601-5001

⏰ Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm | Sat-Sun: 8am-4pm

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The ABCs of Concussions: A Parent’s Guide for School Sports Safety

The excitement is in the air as children head back to school and sports. But as parents, how prepared are we for the potential risks like concussions that come with the territory? This guide will help you understand the ins and outs of concussion management.

Initial Assessment: What to Watch For If you’re ever on the sidelines and something seems off with your child, remember the golden rule: “When in doubt, sit them out!” Watch for subtle signs like delayed verbal responses, discoordination, or emotional shifts.

Diagnosis: More Than a Bump It’s not merely a bump on the head; a concussion involves a change in memory or mental status. Recognize that diagnosis can sometimes take time, especially if symptoms don’t manifest immediately.

Cognitive Rest: Debunking the Myths Think cognitive rest is essential for recovery? Think again. If your child doesn’t experience symptom worsening during cognitive activities like reading, then it’s generally fine for them to continue.

Neuropsych Testing: Helpful but Limited Though valuable for concussion management, neuropsych testing doesn’t predict the length of recovery and isn’t usually a factor in deciding on neuroimaging.

Long-term Risks: Unraveling the Connection Concerned about long-term risks? While there’s a correlation between neurocognitive diseases and repeated concussions, the relationship is complex and likely involves various factors like genetics.

Return-to-Play: A Step-By-Step Guide To get your child safely back into sports, follow a step-wise approach. Your child should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours at each stage before progressing to the next.

Your child’s safety is our priority. Being well-informed about concussions can make all the difference.

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Common Skin Rashes in Children

It is common for children to have various skin rashes. More often than not, rashes on child’s skin are not a cause for worry. They are often caused by changes in temperature or allergies. However, skin rashes can develop due to a certain type of illnesses. Hence, if your child seems unwell, you are advised to promptly seek medical assistance. In this article, we shall be focusing on the common types of skin rashes in children. Ultimately, the information should help parents identify the rashes and their causes.

Bacterial skin infections

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is often characterized by red swollen rashes that are often painful to the touch. Accompanied by feverish symptoms, the affected skin area may feel also hot and uncomfortable. As harmless as skin rashes can be, cellulitis needs to be treated by a certain type of antibiotics. This is because this condition, unlike others, affects the inner layers of the skin.

Impetigo

Impetigo is highly contagious, and unfortunately, very common. It can occur in two forms: bullous and non- bullous. Despite that each type affects different body parts, they are both characterized by sores and blisters with a honey-colored crust. The good news is that impetigo is often easily treatable through with topical antibiotics.

 

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a manifestation of bacterial infection that often starts as a sore throat and caused by strep bacteria. Your child may experience feverish symptoms before the rash develops. The rash is often itchy and red in color with sandpaper appearance. Scarlet fever needs to be rapidly recognized and treated with appropriate antibiotics to avoid complications.

Fungal / Mites Skin Infections

Ringworm

Ringworm is a highly infectious condition that can affect any part of the body. As the name suggests, this condition often manifests on the skin in a ring-like shape. For treatment, visit the pharmacy for antifungal medicine or consult with your healthcare provider.

Scabies

Scabies is a treatable yet highly contagious skin condition caused by mites. Characterized by red and intensely itchy blotches in various body parts. Scabies can be treated through the use of prescription lotions and creams.

Viral Illness

Chicken Pox (Varicella Virus)

Chickenpox is an illness that often a thing of the past due to very effective vaccination. The viral infection is often characterized by itchy spots that may develop all over, or on specific parts of the body. The spots often turn into blisters before drying up into scabs on the skin. Lotions and gels are often used to reduce the discomfort and itchiness. Antiviral medications may be used early in illness to decrease complications and skin scarring.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

As the name suggests, this skin condition affects the hands, foot, and mouth. This condition manifests in the form of blisters and painful oral ulcers. Notably, it is highly contagious and can be spread from child to child easily. To help the child get better, keep them hydrated, pain control and ensure that they are well fed.

(Fifth Disease) Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Easily categorized as a viral infection, this skin condition manifests into noticeable skin blotches on the skin. It mainly affects the skin on both cheeks, hence the term slapped cheek syndrome. It is often harmless and should disappear in a few weeks.  Usually, the illness is harmless and focus should be on treating fever and itching.

 

Inflammatory skin conditions

Urticaria (Hives)

This type of skin condition is often caused by different allergens that act as a trigger to the body. In response, the body releases high levels of chemical messengers. As a result, the skin develops bumpy and itchy rashes. t can be treated and managed by antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin. Sometimes, body can develop excessive response and require more emergent approach with epi-pen and close monitoring by healthcare professionals

Eczema

Children are likely to develop atopic eczema, which often manifests behind the ears and neck just to mention a few. The skin is often dry, red and itchy. it can be treated through the use of skin lotions, creams, and prescription steroid ointments.

 The bottom line

When children experience an unknown rash and you want quick relief and peace of mind. While there are plenty of things you can do yourself to help alleviate symptoms, the preferred course of action is usually to have an evaluation by a medical professional. Vitality Urgent & Primary care has vast experience in the diagnosis of various pediatric rashes and available 7 days per week.  We provide the essential  Urgent Care in the comfort and convenience of your own home. Simply give us a call to schedule a time that’s convenient for you.

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