Usha Vaccine

What Are Vaccine-Preventable Diseases?

Vaccine-preventable diseases are illnesses that can be effectively prevented through vaccination. These diseases can range from mild to severe, and some can lead to significant health complications or even death. Vaccinations work by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, thereby preventing infection and the spread of disease.

Common Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Measles

Symptoms: High fever, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic rash that usually starts on the face and spreads.

Complications: Serious complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death. Measles can also lead to long-term health issues.

Vaccine: The MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles. It is typically administered in two doses, starting at 12-15 months of age.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Symptoms: Severe, persistent cough that can cause fits of coughing followed by a "whooping" sound. Infants may experience difficulty breathing.

Complications: Can lead to severe respiratory issues, hospitalization, and even death, especially in infants and young children.

Vaccine: The Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine protects against whooping cough. It is recommended for pregnant women, infants, and adolescents.

Polio

Symptoms: Early symptoms may include fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Severe cases can lead to paralysis, affecting the ability to move limbs or breathe.

Complications: Can cause permanent paralysis and, in some cases, death. The disease has been nearly eradicated globally due to effective vaccination efforts.

Vaccine: The IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine) is used to prevent polio. It is administered in multiple doses during early childhood.

Hepatitis B

Symptoms: Fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and loss of appetite. Chronic infection can lead to liver disease.

Complications: Long-term complications include chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Vaccine: The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children, and adults at risk of infection. It is given in a series of three or four doses.

Influenza (Flu)

Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue. Seasonal flu can lead to severe respiratory illness.

Complications: Can cause complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections, particularly in the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.

Vaccine: The seasonal influenza vaccine is updated annually to protect against the most common flu strains and is recommended for everyone six months and older.

Pneumonia

Symptoms: Cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for young children and older adults.

Complications: Serious complications can include respiratory failure, sepsis, and death.

Vaccine: Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) protect against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia and meningitis.

Rotavirus

Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children.

Complications: Can lead to severe dehydration, which may require hospitalization.

Vaccine: The rotavirus vaccine is given in multiple doses starting at 2 months of age, significantly reducing the risk of severe rotavirus disease.