I was on medical leave this afternoon, and to claim this benefit, I have to present a valid medical certificate signed by a Singapore-registered doctor. While I was waiting for my call at the clinic's waiting area, I saw a leaflet about common and major diseases among children. And since I am a mom, it caught my interest (mom's over-protectiveness instinct! LOL!) and was quick to grab one of course. My son is 5 years old already, obviously, he completed all the vaccinations needed, just going for the boosters every now and then. I do hope the following information maybe of help to everyone especially to those whose got infants and very young children and to first time parents as well.
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Infants and children face many potential dangers from various infectious diseases that can harm their physical and mental development. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (or 'whooping cough'), Hepatitis B, Polio and Hib diseases all can lead to potentially serious health complications in children and can eventually lead to severe illness, complications or death.
Understanding the Major Infectious Diseases:
Diphtheria begins as a sore and swollen throat due to bacterial infections which can cause obstructions to breathing and damage to the heart. Resulting complications may even be life-threatening.
Tetanus often begins with the clamping together of the jaw (hence the name "lockjaw"). There is severe muscle spasm involving many parts of the body, including the muscles responsible for breathing and swallowing. Complications from Tetanus are often fatal.
Pertussis or Whooping Cough typically starts like an ordinary cold. This is accompanied by runny nose leading to prolonged bouts of coughing which are characterised by a whooping sound. Often the whooping cough can cause the child to vomit or even turn blue from lack of air. A child with whooping cough can have difficulty eating, drinking, or even breathing. Whooping cough can cause serious complications like pneumonia, seizures or brain problems. In serious cases, even death may occur.
Polio or Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can be transmitted easily through contaminated food or water. The disease typically affects very young children, with 80 - 90% of cases occurring in children under 3 years of age. In the majority of cases the disease produces only mild symptoms like fever, sore throat and nausea. However, if the virus enters the brain and spinal cord, the disease may result in paralysis especially of the child's leg muscles.
Hib disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The bacteria causes several serious, often life - threatening illnesses including bacterial meningitis which may cause mental retardation in young children. The same Hib bacteria can also cause pneumonia or epiglottitis (the inflammation of the windpipe). Hib is transmitted through airborne saliva droplets or secretions, similar to how the common cold is spread. It can enter the blood stream and cause life-threatening infections like meningitis, pneumonia and epiglottitis. Although the word 'influenzae' is part of the scientific name, Hib is not related to the virus that causes the respiratory infection generally known as 'flu'.
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can lead to complications, including chronic hepatitis (persistent liver inflammation), liver cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), liver failure and liver cancer. The virus is spread through the blood or other body fluids such as saliva, semen or vaginal secretions from people who are infected or are carrying the Hepatitis B virus. The virus is often also passed from mother to baby, usually at the time of birth.
Vaccination Saves Lives
Fortunately, effective vaccines are available that can protect you and loved ones against these dangers. In particular, combined vaccines against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis are established as part of a routine paediatric vaccination practise.
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Infants and children face many potential dangers from various infectious diseases that can harm their physical and mental development. Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (or 'whooping cough'), Hepatitis B, Polio and Hib diseases all can lead to potentially serious health complications in children and can eventually lead to severe illness, complications or death.
Understanding the Major Infectious Diseases:
Diphtheria begins as a sore and swollen throat due to bacterial infections which can cause obstructions to breathing and damage to the heart. Resulting complications may even be life-threatening.
Tetanus often begins with the clamping together of the jaw (hence the name "lockjaw"). There is severe muscle spasm involving many parts of the body, including the muscles responsible for breathing and swallowing. Complications from Tetanus are often fatal.
Pertussis or Whooping Cough typically starts like an ordinary cold. This is accompanied by runny nose leading to prolonged bouts of coughing which are characterised by a whooping sound. Often the whooping cough can cause the child to vomit or even turn blue from lack of air. A child with whooping cough can have difficulty eating, drinking, or even breathing. Whooping cough can cause serious complications like pneumonia, seizures or brain problems. In serious cases, even death may occur.
Polio or Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that can be transmitted easily through contaminated food or water. The disease typically affects very young children, with 80 - 90% of cases occurring in children under 3 years of age. In the majority of cases the disease produces only mild symptoms like fever, sore throat and nausea. However, if the virus enters the brain and spinal cord, the disease may result in paralysis especially of the child's leg muscles.
Hib disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The bacteria causes several serious, often life - threatening illnesses including bacterial meningitis which may cause mental retardation in young children. The same Hib bacteria can also cause pneumonia or epiglottitis (the inflammation of the windpipe). Hib is transmitted through airborne saliva droplets or secretions, similar to how the common cold is spread. It can enter the blood stream and cause life-threatening infections like meningitis, pneumonia and epiglottitis. Although the word 'influenzae' is part of the scientific name, Hib is not related to the virus that causes the respiratory infection generally known as 'flu'.
Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by the Hepatitis B virus. It can lead to complications, including chronic hepatitis (persistent liver inflammation), liver cirrhosis (hardening of the liver), liver failure and liver cancer. The virus is spread through the blood or other body fluids such as saliva, semen or vaginal secretions from people who are infected or are carrying the Hepatitis B virus. The virus is often also passed from mother to baby, usually at the time of birth.
Vaccination Saves Lives
Fortunately, effective vaccines are available that can protect you and loved ones against these dangers. In particular, combined vaccines against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis are established as part of a routine paediatric vaccination practise.
2 comments:
Hi Sleepymom,
This is a great source of information especially for moms and moms to be.
Have a good sunday.
Hi Pinay Jade,
Thanks. :) Have a nice day too. :)
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