The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to:

The BEST way to prevent infection from whooping cough is to:

• A. Routinely place a surgical mask on all respiratory patients.
• B. Get vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
• C. Wear a HEPA mask when treating any respiratory patient.
• D. Ask all patients if they have recently traveled abroad.

Answer: (B)

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis is the strongest way to prevent whooping cough because it builds active immunity in individuals and helps reduce transmission in the community. The pertussis component trains the immune system to recognize Bordetella pertussis, so if exposed, the person is less likely to become infected or will have a milder illness. Widespread vaccination also creates herd immunity, which helps protect vulnerable babies who aren’t fully immunized yet. Relying on masks, HEPA filters, or screening travel history addresses exposure in specific moments but does not provide the lasting, population-wide protection that vaccination offers.

Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis is the strongest way to prevent whooping cough because it builds active immunity in individuals and helps reduce transmission in the community. The pertussis component trains the immune system to recognize Bordetella pertussis, so if exposed, the person is less likely to become infected or will have a milder illness. Widespread vaccination also creates herd immunity, which helps protect vulnerable babies who aren’t fully immunized yet. Relying on masks, HEPA filters, or screening travel history addresses exposure in specific moments but does not provide the lasting, population-wide protection that vaccination offers.