(CNN) - Whooping cough has been surging in the United States and it doesn’t look to be slowing down.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 32,000 cases reported so far this year.

That’s about six times more than there was this time last year.

Whooping cough can be serious for all ages, but children younger than one are particularly sensitive.

Vaccination is the best way to protect against the contagious respiratory illness.

Symptoms are similar to the common cold, but a painful body cough can develop that can last for weeks or months.

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