Yep, kennel cough is airborne so really it is highly contagious. I think they must call it kennel cough because in a kennel atmosphere if it got loose, everyone in the kennel would probably get it!! When they get meds for it, the meds pretty much just treat the symptoms, because it is a virus that just has to run its course before the dog gets better. I imagine that dogs with a low immunity probably pick up something like KC really easily.
Hope Nikki is feeling better soon! I can relate, I was that chronically sick kid too!!