Whooping cough primarily affects which demographic?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, primarily affects infants and young children, making them the most vulnerable demographic to this disease. This is largely because their immune systems are still developing, and they may not have received all doses of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine by the time they are at risk of infection.

Infants are particularly susceptible, as they can experience severe complications, including pneumonia, seizures, and, in some cases, death. Young children who contract whooping cough can exhibit severe coughing fits that may cause them to struggle to breathe, hence the name "whooping cough." Vaccination efforts aim to protect these age groups, with the first doses typically given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age.

Other demographics mentioned in the choices may experience whooping cough, but they do not represent the primary concern. While adults can contract it, especially if they haven’t been vaccinated recently, and pregnant women are considered for booster shots to protect their newborns, they are not the main demographic affected at the highest risk for severe illness. Senior citizens may have lower immunity and potentially face complications if infected, but again, they are not the demographic most at