whooping cough is spiking across Canada and there's concern those numbers could continue to rise doctors say the infection has a history of spiking every 2 to 5 years but some provinces are seeing unprecedented numbers indicating there may be other causes Behind The Surge some of it might be related to uh lower vaccine rates some of it might be related to waning uh vaccination over time the public health agency of Canada reports at least four es have seen cases surpass pre-pandemic Peaks whooping cough often resembles a cold with runny nose and cough to start but can evolve to include coughing fits for up to 10 weeks vaccination is a key to curving the infection but there are questions about whether a change to the vaccine formula nearly 30 years ago means more boosters are required to keep immunity strong experts say the formula changed from one with more adverse effects to one with far fewer but also one that may lose effect iess faster right now routine immunization requires five doses before age s with a booster recommended in adolescence an added shot is also recommended for those 18 and older and those pregnant in their third trimester but vaccine access due to no family doctor and covid-19 disruptions may have led to a missed dose and experts say that's a problem because it's so contagious and because there's so many people out there who are positive uh there will be ongoing transmission it's why doctors are encouraging people keep up to date on their vaccines stay home and take antibiotics if prescribed and once the whooping cough actually begins rest and drink fluids to manage symptoms Sean preville Global News