health concerns
Understanding Vaccines
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that causes a thick membrane to form in the nose, throat or airway. The membrane is attached to underlying tissues, so that attempting to remove it causes bleeding. Diphtheria bacteria within the membrane produce a toxin that can damage heart, liver, kidney and nerve tissue. Paralysis and death may result. Because of widespread vaccinations, fewer than five cases occur in the U.S. each year.
Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing, often to the point of choking. It can last for months. It is particularly rough on infants and small children and can lead to pneumonia, seizures and death. This disease is highly contagious and much more common than diphtheria. About 4,000 cases are reported each year, half of which involve children less than a year old.
Tetanus results from a toxin produced by bacteria that enter the body through contaminated wounds. The toxin causes painful, spasmodic contractions of muscles (which gave rise to the colloquial term "lockjaw" for this disease) and can lead to death.
Polio is a viral infection that damages the central nervous system; it can cause mild or serious paralysis and results in death in five to 10 percent of cases.
Hemophilus B is a type of bacteria that can cause, among other things, pneumonia and meningitis (an infection of the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord). Since the introduction of hemophilus B vaccines during the past decade, the number of cases of meningitis in young children caused by this bacteria has fallen dramatically.
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by a virus that is most commonly transmitted in three ways: from an infected mother to her infant, (later in life) through sexual contact with an infected person or by exposure to infected blood. However, a large number of cases occur without a history of any of these events, which is one reason health officials recommend universal vaccination against this virus.
Fortunately, most people infected with hepatitis B recover without any long-term effects. In a small percentage of cases, however, the immediate illness can be severe enough to cause death. In others, prolonged active infection with the virus occurs, a process that can lead eventually to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. While hepatitis B is not a common childhood disease, children are at a higher risk for developing long-term complications if they should become infected. Immunization of all children has been recommended as the most effective means to reduce the total number of cases of this disease over the next several years.
Background Information
Health Problems, Hypochondria or Cries for Help?
When your adolescent repeatedly complains of not feeling well in the morning, how do you know whether to offer TLC and bed rest or escort him to the bus stop?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
This advice won't eliminate all cases of SIDS, but it could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives every year.
The Debut of Teeth
Though it's exciting for parents, getting teeth can be a pain in the mouth and elsewhere for babies.
What Causes Vomiting and Diarrhea in Infants?
If your infant vomits or has diarrhea, be aware of these possible causes.
Questions and Answers
I'm trying to potty train my 3-year-old son who has Down syndrome. Does he have the capacity to understand at this age, considering his challenges?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Chronic Kids, Healthy Spirits
Two sisters write about parenting their children with chronic illnesses
Dear Friend
In the face of bad news, it helps to hear from someone who's already passed through the valley.
Too Young To Die
Living with a seriously ill child can seem too much to bear.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Bearing the Burden of a Child's Illness
In the midst of a devastating diagnosis, sometimes all you can do is to trust God.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
