LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With temperatures falling, common childhood illnesses like whooping cough are also making a comeback.

A Kentucky doctor is offering valuable advice to parents on how to protect their children from getting sick and what to do if they do.

“When school starts, we start to see some strep throat," said Becky Carothers, pediatrician at Norton Children's in Louisville. "Luckily, our (COVID-19) numbers have started to fall. But we know that once it gets cold, we're going to start to see flu and (respiratory syncytial virus)." 

While good hygiene practices, like hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes are important, Carothers stressed vaccinations are key in helping children fight off more serious illnesses.

“We know that we can do flu shots, so we are starting to get flu shots already," she said. "One shot for most children is good for the whole season."

There is growing concern, however, over the rise in cases of whooping cough, a bacterial respiratory illness. According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reported cases are nearly five times higher this year compared to the same period last year.

Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services reported the highest numbers of whooping cough, or pertussis, in seven years over the summer. 

“If your child looks sick, if fever is persisting ... or they're just not getting better, especially after day five, that may be time to come and get seen,” Carothers said. 

Doctors have said getting vaccinated, consistent hand-washing and wearing a mask if sick are good ways to avoid the disease.