Pertussis is a potentially deadly infection that can affect any one at any age but babies are especially prone to it. Because they are smaller and their immune systems weaker, the danger is greater the younger the person is. It's important that parents know that Pertussis is the only infectious disease that is regularly immunized for but that is currently on the rise. Newborns and infants aren't fully immunized at a young age and are at highest risk. To protect them from this deadly and preventable disease, those around them, caregivers, siblings, relatives, and visitors must do the right thing. Roll-up your sleeves. Take a little pain. Know that you are building a wall of protection around your little one. The disease was easily and widely recognized in as early as 1578. It was later isolated in pure culture in 1906 by Octave Gengou and Jules Bordet. The complete Pertussis genome of 4,086,186 base pairs was sequenced in 2002. Inititially the Whooping Cough is characterized by mild respiratory infection symptoms. These symptoms include a cough, sneezing, and runny nose. Pertussis is caused by a bacterial infection. This is good news because, if diagnosed, it can be treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately this treatment only is effective if it is diagnosed within the first few weeks of infection. Coughing can become so severe it causes the face to be red, and thick phlegm is likely. The cough can also cause vomiting and may prevent adequate oxygen supplies. When that happens, the face and fingernails will turn a bluish color. The disease got its name from the type of breathing. Taking air in after coughing can cause a high pitched whooping noise. Treatment of Whooping cough: 1-Whooping cough is generally treated with antibiotics. 2-Drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, soups, and fruits to prevent dehydration. 3-Isolation to prevent contagion. 4-Eating small, frequent meals. 5-Use a cool mist vaporizer to help loosen secretions and soothe the cough. Be informed and consider that some vaccines obviously represent more of a threat to a child's body. Not to say that all vaccines are not toxic, but for argument's sake there are some know to have more adverse affects than others. The development of pertussis can often be attributed to pneumonia, infections of the middle ear, and certain types of harmful microorganisms. Before the symptoms of whooping cough can be treated, a doctor must first locate the underlying cause of the illness. This vaccine prevents a range of infections, including meningitis, caused by the hemophilus influenzae b virus. Your child will receive this vaccine at two, four and six months, and then again between 12 and 15 months. Some doctors offer Hib combined with DTP in one vaccine. A germ called the Hemophilus pertussis is now recognized as the cause of whooping cough. The germ is spread from one person to another by direct contact or through coughing, sneezing, or talking. The attack of whooping cough is usually divided into four parts, one stage running into another. About seven to fourteen days after exposure the condition begins with symptoms like those of a cold, such as sneezing, running nose, and hoarseness. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the tonsils, pharynx, larynx, nose, and skin . It produces a thick membrane which covers the area of inflammation. Children under 5 and adults over 60 years old are particularly at risk for contracting the infection. People living in crowded or unclean conditions, those who aren't well nourished, and children and adults who don't have up-to-date immunizations are also at risk. There are many diseases that vaccination will protect your baby from contracting, a history of these diseases have shown the severity of these diseases. Vaccinations were made to stop childhood diseases that once killed children in our not so distant past.
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
