MYFOXNY.COM -
4 time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon appeared on Good Day New York Wednesday to speak about his racing as well as the March of Dimes and awareness about Pertussis.
Pertussis, also known as the whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air in droplets. The mild form, which usually occurs in adults and older children, is often mistaken for the common cold or bronchitis and can easily spread.
The disease is more severe in babies and young children. They will often experience severe coughing than can be followed by a "whooping" sound as they gasp for air. The cough can be so intense that vomiting follows. Pertussis can lead to other serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalizations, and even death.
However, there is a vaccine that can help adults and adolescents protect themselves. Tdap vaccination can reduce the risk of transmitting the disease especially in infants.
Gordon spoke about this today on Good Day New York and said there is a Facebook page, "Sound of Pertussis" you can visit and like.
Jeff Gordon was also asked about his racing this year. He is currently 22nd in the standings as NASCAR heads to Michigan International Speedway. Gordon has two wins and an average finish of 11th place at that track.
