Carly Hanson, Jody Starr, Jessica Linn, and Lisa Harter

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a serious disease that affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis b virus. Incubation period ranges from 45 to 160 days. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person. About 5 out of 100 people will contract hepatitis b in their lifetime if not vaccinated. The first vaccination became available in 1982.

Hepatitis B Acute illnesses include: Loss of appetite Tiredness Diarrhea and vomiting Jaundice Muscle and joint and stomach pain Acute illness is more common in adults. Children do not usually exhibit acute illness symptoms.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Chronic infection includes: Liver damage (cirrhosis) Liver cancer Death Chronic infection is more common among infants and children than adults. **This picture shows a woman who is suffering liver cancer caused by hepatitis b.

Hepatitis B- Who should get vaccinated? It is usually a three-dose series. It is recommended for all children 0-18 years of age. It is recommended for infants beginning at birth in the hospital. All older children who did not get all the recommended doses of hepatitis B vaccine as an infant should complete their vaccine series as soon as possible. Most states require hepatitis B vaccine for school entry.

Hepatitis B cont. Adolescents who are just starting their series will need two or three doses, depending on their age and the brand of vaccine used. Adults at increased risk of acquiring HBV infection should also be vaccinated. In addition, the vaccine can be given to any person who desires protection from hepatitis B.

Diphtheria Diphtheria causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Through the 1920’s diphtheria killed 13,000 babies and children in the U.S. each year. Sickened another 150,000 a year. Only one case was reported in the U.S. in 1998 to 1999.

Diphtheria Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium. Diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth, throat, and nose of an infected person. Can be passed to others by coughing or sneezing. Incubation period is short: 2-5 days, with a range of 1-10 days. Early symptoms of diphtheria may mimic a cold with a sore throat, mild fever, and chills.

Pertussis Also know as Whooping Cough. Causes coughing spells so bad it is hard for infants to eat, drink, or breathe. The spells can last for weeks. It can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death. The first vaccine was in widespread use by the 1940’s. In the 1940’s it killed 8,000 and sickened 200,000 children a year.

3 Stages of Pertussis Catarrhal stage: can last 1-2 weeks and includes a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough (all similar symptoms to the common cold). Paroxysmal stage: usually lasts 1-6 weeks, but can persist for up to 10 weeks. The characteristic symptom is a burst, or paroxysm, of numerous, rapid coughs. At the end of the paroxysm the patient suffers from a long inhaling effort that is characterized by a high-pitched whoop. Infants and young children often appear very ill and distressed, and may turn blue and vomit.

3 Stages of Pertussis cont. Convalescent stage: usually lasts 2-6 weeks, but may last for months. Cough usually disappears after 2-3 weeks, but outbursts may recur whenever the patient suffers any subsequent respiratory infection. The disease is usually milder in adolescents and adults. Individuals are still able to transmit the disease to others, including unimmunized or incompletely immunized infants.

DTaP -Who should get vaccinated? Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are routinely given in combination together, referred to as DTaP. Children should receive 5 doses before the age of 6. At 11 or 12 years children should start to get a booster shot every 10 years. Adults who have never been vaccinated should get vaccinated. Women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth should be given a one-time dose of DTaP to protect their newborn.

Vaccines The risks of side affects from the vaccinations are far less of a danger than the disease itself.

Review Questions How is HBV most commonly contracted? At what age is it recommended to start getting a booster shot every 10 years for diphtheria? How many stages of pertussis are there?