Vaccine Preventable Diseases And The Vaccines That Prevent Them Chart
Prevention is always better than cure, and vaccines play a vital role in preventing many diseases that can cause serious health issues. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies, which provide protection against specific diseases. In this article, we will discuss vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them chart.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash all over the body. Measles can be prevented by the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which is usually given to children between 12 and 15 months of age.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swelling of the salivary glands. It spreads through contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, and swelling of the salivary glands. Mumps can be prevented by the MMR vaccine, which is usually given to children between 12 and 15 months of age.
Rubella
Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that can cause a rash, fever, and swollen glands. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Rubella can be prevented by the MMR vaccine, which is usually given to children between 12 and 15 months of age.
Polio
Polio is a viral infection that can cause paralysis. It spreads through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle weakness. Polio can be prevented by the polio vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 months and 6 years of age.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that can cause breathing difficulties and heart failure. It spreads through contact with an infected person or contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, and a thick, gray coating in the nose or throat. Diphtheria can be prevented by the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 months and 6 years of age.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms. It spreads through contact with contaminated objects or soil. Symptoms include stiff jaw muscles, difficulty swallowing, and muscle spasms. Tetanus can be prevented by the DTaP vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 months and 6 years of age.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing spells. It spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions. Symptoms include a severe cough, runny nose, and fever. Whooping cough can be prevented by the DTaP vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 months and 6 years of age.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation. It spreads through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis A can be prevented by the hepatitis A vaccine, which is usually given to children between 12 and 23 months of age.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause liver inflammation and cirrhosis. It spreads through contact with an infected person's blood or other bodily fluids. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Hepatitis B can be prevented by the hepatitis B vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 and 18 years of age.
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterial infection that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses. It spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions. Symptoms include fever, headache, and stiff neck. Hib can be prevented by the Hib vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 and 6 months of age.
Pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious illnesses. It spreads through contact with an infected person's respiratory secretions. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Pneumococcal disease can be prevented by the pneumococcal vaccine, which is usually given to children between 2 months and 5 years of age.
Conclusion
Vaccines are an essential tool in preventing many diseases that can cause serious health issues. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also those around us who may not be able to get vaccinated. Vaccine-preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them chart provide information to parents and healthcare providers to ensure that children receive the recommended vaccines at the right time.