Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease. A liver inflammation known as hepatitis A can result in a mild to severe sickness. Lack of access to clean water, inadequate sanitation, and unhygienic living conditions all increase the risk of contracting hepatitis A. When a person unintentionally consumes the virus from objects, food, or drinks that …
A dangerous condition called rabies almost always ends in death. The central nervous system is affected by the rabies virus. Its symptoms, which precede coma and death, can appear days to years after exposure and include delirium (confusion), strange behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and insomnia. People who come into contact with an infected …
Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Tdap vaccination for all children beginning at the age of 11 or 12. The CDC recommends Td or Tdap vaccine booster shots throughout adulthood. One dose of Tdap vaccine is recommended for: Children aged 7 to …
The MMR vaccine is very effective at protecting people against measles, mumps, and rubella, and preventing the complications caused by these diseases. People who receive MMR vaccination according to the U.S. vaccination schedule are usually considered protected for life against measles and rubella. While MMR provides effective protection against mumps for most people, immunity against …
The influenza (flu) virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs, causing a contagious respiratory illness. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and those with certain medical conditions, are more vulnerable to serious flu complications. Types A and B influenza viruses are the most common. Each year, seasonal flu epidemics are caused by the …
The varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox, a highly contagious disease. It can result in an itchy, searing rash. The symptoms appear first on the chest, back, and face, then spread all through the body, causing between 250 and 500 itchy blisters. Varicella can be fatal, particularly in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and people whose bodies …
Tetanus is an uncommon but very serious disease caused by spores of bacteria found in the environment. Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your tetanus vaccination so you can enjoy being outdoors safely. The United States sees an average of about 30 reported cases each year. Nearly all cases …
Polio (or poliomyelitis) is a disabling and potentially fatal illness caused by the poliovirus, that can infect the spinal cord and cause paralysis. The majority of the population diagnosed with poliovirus encounter no symptoms and survive without complications. Some individuals will have a sore throat, fever, exhaustion, nausea, headache, or stomach pain. Polio or poliomyelitis, …
Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clears up within 2 to 4 weeks. Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers …
Just like how we are told to wear seatbelts while driving to keep us safe if an accident were to occur, vaccines provide lifelong immunity, protection to vulnerable people of our community, and reduce risk of catching a disease. Millions of individuals are vaccinated every year without any side effects. Vaccines save countless numbers of …