Did you know about vaccine-preventable diseases? If you don’t know, you need to read this article.

Diseases like measles, flu, tetanus, etc. come under vaccine-preventable diseases. While some diseases are cured on their own, others have no cure and can be fatal. But the good news is you can prevent it all by taking their vaccines.

Learn more in detail about vaccine-preventable diseases below. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

What is vaccine-preventable disease?

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD) are diseases that are caused by pathogens (bacteria or viruses) and can easily be prevented by vaccines such as hepatitis A can be prevented by hepatitis A vaccine. These VPDs can lead to hospitalizations and in severe cases it can be fatal. And the best way to prevent VPDs is through vaccines. Vaccines not only reduce the risk of VPDs but also in some cases eliminate those infections that cause VPDs. That’s why you and your family should be vaccinated to prevent these diseases.

Diseases

1. Measles:It is a highly contagious viral disease caused by an RNA virus that mostly affects children. It can transmit through contaminated droplets present in the air by coming in contact with the nose, mouth, or throat of infected persons. Early symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days (about 1 week 5 days) after your contact with the infection. Symptoms are usually like a cold such as high fever, runny nose, red eyes, and tiny white spots inside the mouth. You can also experience rashes after several days. There is no treatment for measles, however, most people recover from it within 2 to 3 weeks. But in some cases, especially in children who are malnourished and have weak immunity, measles can be dangerous, and cause serious complications including blindness, severe diarrhea, encephalitis, ear infection, and pneumonia. However, you can easily prevent measles by taking its vaccine.
2. Flu:Also known as influenza, it’s caused by influenza viruses in infants and children. It infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Its symptoms can be mild to severe, leading to hospitalization or death. Certain people tend to have more risk of getting infected with influenza than others including people who are 65 years or older, people with any underlying condition, younger children than 6 to 8 months, and pregnant women. The best way to prevent the flu infection is to get a flu vaccine each year. According to the CDC, anyone 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine each year to prevent its symptoms and complications.
3. Hepatitis:Both hepatitis A and B are acute viral diseases caused by the hepatitis A and B viruses. Both hepatitis A and B virus is transmitted from person to person by making personal contact with the infected person such as sexual contact, caring for someone who’s ill, or using drugs. Hepatitis A can also be transmitted by consuming contaminated food and water. Worldwide this virus causes 1.5 million cases of hepatitis every year. But you can prevent both hepatitis A and B by taking their vaccine. Now millions of people are vaccinated against HAV.
4. Tetanus: It is a rare bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. It can be found in soil, dust, or manure which can infect your body through a cut or open sore. It causes symptoms of lockjaw, breathing problems, muscle spasms, paralysis or in severe cases death also but only 10 to 20% of cases who are older than 60 or have diabetes otherwise you only get the milder symptoms. But you can prevent this disease easily by taking the tetanus vaccine which is recommended for all babies, children, preteens, teens, and adults.
5. Meningococcal infection: It is a bacterial disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis bacteria. It causes meningitis (which is a swelling of the brain, and spinal cord), and also infects the blood.These bacteria live in the back of the infected person’s nose and throat and spread through kissing or living with someone who is infected. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, and stiff neck. It is a serious disease that kills 1 out of 7 people who get this disease. And even with treatment, 15% of people still die. That’s why it is recommended to take its vaccine. It is given to all 11 to 12 years old children, with a booster dose at 16 years old. Teen and young adults (16 to 23).
6. Pertussis (whooping cough): It is a respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These bacteria attack the lining of the breathing passages and cause severe coughing. When it affects a child, he/she experiences shortness of breath, inhales deeply, and produces a whooping sound between coughs, and here it got its common name of whooping cough. It spreads in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs there. This condition can be dangerous for babies, especially those who are younger than 1 year. It can also lead to pneumonia, seizures, and slow or stopped breathing. That’swhy it is recommended for all babies, children, preteens, and pregnant women to get its vaccine to prevent this condition. Adults who don’t receive one in their childhood should also get a Tdap shot.
7. Rotavirus: It is a viral infection that affects infants and young children. The most common symptom of rotavirus is watery diarrhea. But there are other symptoms, such as vomiting, fever, or abdominal pain. Children who get infected may get dehydrated or need to be hospitalized. While you can prevent this infection with good hygiene but is not enough. The best way to protect your child against rotavirus disease is to take a rotavirus vaccine. The first dose is given before a child is 15 weeks (about 3 and a half months) of age and the second dose is before they turn 8 months old. It is given in drop form.
8. Rubella: It is a contagious viral disease caused by the rubella virus. It is also known as German measles, but this virus is not similar to It is transmitted through the respiratory route and causes symptoms like low fever, nausea, and a transient rash. It usually affects children, but adults also get infected with it and develop arthritis and painful joints. While it is a mild disease, if the infection happens in early pregnancy, it can lead to fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome, which can cause multiple defects, especially to the brain, heart, eyes, and ears. And there is no treatment available for rubella. It can only be prevented by MMR vaccination. Its vaccine prevents not only rubella but also mumps and measles infections too. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 to 6 years of age. Teens and adults should be up to date with their MMR vaccination. One dose of MMR vaccine is 97% effective against rubella.
9. Mumps:It is a contagious disease that is caused by paramyxovirus. Its symptoms usually start with fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches, and loss of appetite. Most people often develop swelling of their salivary glands in the front and below the ear, swells, puffy cheeks, or a tender swollen jaw. It spreads when the infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus spreads through the air, and other people get infected when they breathe there. It can lead to meningitis or cause long-lasting health problems such as deafness or sterility in men. But you can prevent this disease by taking the MMR vaccine. Its vaccine also prevents measles and rubella viruses too. Dosage starts with a child as small as 15 to 18 months (about 1 and a half years) of age, and the second dose is given when children are aged 4 to 6. This vaccine is safe and effective against these viruses.
10. Pneumococcus: It is a bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It is transmitted by coming in contact with a person’s mucus or saliva.It can lead to ear and blood infections or meningitis. If left untreated, complications can be serious and fatal, especially for other people over 65. So, the best way to prevent this disease is to take its vaccine.

Vaccine-preventable infections are diseases that you can prevent through timely taking vaccines. Because most diseases have no cure and lead to severe complications. So, you need to make sure you and your family are vaccinated for the diseases mentioned above.

Want to learn more about vaccine-preventable infections? Get professional help by visiting our infectious disease specialists at Doral Health & Wellness in Brooklyn. Our Infectious disease doctors listen to your concerns and treat you accordingly. Get tips on how to stay safe from infectious diseases. Call us on +1-347-384-5690. If you need any information on infections, log on to www.doralhw.org  get a consultation. We have the best doctors that can help you and improve your quality of life.