While vaccinations for kids is a controversial topic, pertussis or "whooping cough", isn't controversial, it's very serious for anyone, and, it's a disease that's increasing, and, in my mind shouldn't be.

I worked with a lady whose child contracted pertussis, and, it was a very, very bad thing, for what it's worth to this discussion.

Pertussis is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that can strike at any age, but is particularly dangerous for babies. Adults are the number one transmitter of pertussis to babies. One of the best ways to protect babies from pertussis is to make sure that anyone in close contact with them is vaccinated.

PKIDs (Parents of Kids with Infectious Diseases), a national nonprofit whose mission is to educate the public about infectious diseases and help families whose children are affected by such diseases.

PKIDS wants raise awareness of pertussis through a program called "Silence the Sounds of Pertussis." At PKIDs’ web site, you can hear an audio clip of what whooping cough sounds like and get advice on how to talk to your doctor about protecting your child or children you may care for from pertussis.

Whatever your views on vaccination are, it's always good to be informed.